Materials Scientist

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering materials science startup is looking for a Materials Scientist to focus on sustainable formulations and contribute to plant-based materials development. This role requires a Masters or PhD with significant experience in plastics and green chemistry. Join a dynamic team driving real environmental impact within a collaborative and agile work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Collaborative work environment

Opportunity for travel

Qualifications

• 4 years of commercial experience in plastics and/or biopolymers.
• Experience working in startup environments.
• Strong understanding of processes in scale-up manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel materials using green chemistry principles.
• Support formulation development and process engineering.
• Implement quality control testing protocols.
• Collaborate with industrial research partners and vendors.
• Manage projects efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Occasionally travel within the UK/EU.

Skills

Green chemistry

Plastics

Biopolymers

Surface chemistry

Project management

Collaboration

Time-management

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Masters or PhD in Materials Science or Chemistry

Tools

Chemical testing protocols

Mechanical property analysis tools

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Materials Scientist – for Sustainable Formulations & Process Development

Location: London, UK

Materials Scientist - Project-based Role for Sustainable Formulations & Process Development

Join Biophilica and Be Part of Shaping the Future of Sustainable Materials

Are you a materials scientist passionate about sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge materials development? Biophilica, a pioneering and award-winning materials science startup, is seeking a highly driven and organized commercial R&D scientist to join our team in London. If you have expertise in green chemistry, plastics, biopolymers, coatings, and surface chemistry — particularly with plastics, polysaccharides and plant-derived polymers — we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to contribute to the development and scaling of our award-winning plant-based materials with unique environmental benefits.

Why Biophilica?

We are a recognized startup on a mission to bring our truly sustainable leather alternative — Treekind — to the mass market. Our team thrives on results and progress, efficiency in an agile environment.

Our achievements include:

• Launched material with ID Geneve Watches in 2023
• Pilot programme with 4 brands within the Fashion For Good network
• Project with beauty brand for packaging
• Demo-line and scale-up trials
• Treekind ranked #2 leather alternative worldwide: ecocult.com/list-vegan-leather-alternatives-ranked

Awards:

• Cartier Women’s Initiative 2024: 1st Place Europe
• PDS Ventures’ and Global Fashion Agenda’s Trailblazer 2024: Finalist
• Women in Innovation 2022
• Manufacturing Futures 2021
• Mills Fabrica Techstyle for Social Good 2021
• Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2021 (Finalist)
• Microfibre Innovation Challenge 2022(Finalist)
• UKBAA Angel Investments Awards Finalist 2022 (Finalist)
• Vogue Yoox 2021 (Finalist)

Accelerators:

• LVMH Startup Accelerator
• Fashion For Good accelerator followed by the FFG pilot program

About the Project-based Role

We are seeking a Masters or PhD-qualified Materials Scientist with 4 years of commercial experience in plastics and/or biopolymers. This role is perfect for a highly motivated, entrepreneurial scientist who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. You will develop formulations for product applications, processes and technologies, to rapidly scale our materials, ensuring they meet market quality and cost demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Novel materials design and development using green chemistry principles
• Formulation development, support process engineering and optimisation
• Implement quality control testing protocols
• Analyse and report on standard chemical and mechanical testing
• Collaborate closely with industrial research partners and external vendors
• Manage projects efficiently to deliver on time or ahead of schedule
• Occasionally travel within the UK/EU

What We’re Looking For

• Masters or PhD (or postdoctoral experience) ideally in Materials Science or Chemistry. Closely related fields will also be considered.
• Strong commercial research experience in plastics, plant-derived biopolymers and/or green chemistry, including polysaccharides.
• Experience in startup environments and a clear understanding of what drives startup success
• Knowledge of surface characterisation techniques and mechanical property analysis and processing of polymers
• Experience working with engineers focused on process design, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial production
• You are pragmatic, thrive on challenges andmaking the most of existing resources
• Excellent time-management, organisational, and project management skills
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders within and outside of your area
• Ability to work successfully, delivering results both independently and within a team

What We Offer

• A one year contract based on a newly awarded project
• Competitive salary
• Occasional travel for off-site visits within the UK and internationally
• A collaborative, agile, and innovative work environment
• The opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials
• A role in a team making a real environmental impact

How to Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter, CV, compensation expectations, and contact information for three professional references to [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer

Biophilica is committed to and . We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of , , , religion, , , or veteran status.

Join us in revolutionising sustainable materials