Materials Scientist

Biophilica; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative and innovative work environment

Opportunity to shape sustainable materials

Occasional travel within the UK and internationally

Impactful work

Sustainable materials

Job summary

An innovative materials science startup based in Wimbledon is seeking a skilled Materials Scientist with a Master's or PhD, specializing in plastics and biopolymers. Responsibilities include developing formulations for sustainable materials and collaborating with research partners to drive project success. The position offers a one-year contract within a collaborative environment focused on impactful sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD (or postdoctoral experience) in relevant fields is required.
• Strong commercial experience with green chemistry principles.
• Experience working in startup environments is necessary.
• Surface characterization techniques knowledge
• Mechanical property analysis of polymers
• Process design and scale-up collaboration
• Strong time management and organisation
• Excellent communication and teamwork

Responsibilities

• Develop formulations and processes for plant-based materials.
• Manage projects efficiently and ensure timely delivery.
• Work closely with research partners and vendors.
• 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

Skills

Commercial research experience in plastics

Knowledge of surface characterisation techniques

Strong communication skills

Excellent time-management skills

Data analysis

Education

Masters or PhD in Materials Science or Chemistry

Job description

Overview

Biophilica is seeking a Masters or PhD-qualified Materials Scientist with around 4 years of commercial experience in plastics and/or biopolymers for a project-based role in London. You will develop formulations, processes and technologies to rapidly scale our plant-based materials, ensuring they meet market quality and cost demands. Location: London, UK

About Biophilica

Biophilica is an award-winning materials science startup on a mission to bring Treekind, a sustainable plant-based leather alternative, to the mass market. We operate in an agile environment with a focus on results and progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Novel materials design and development using green chemistry principles


• Formulation development, support process engineering and optimisation


• 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 and making 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


• 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]. Please include the screening question answers either in your cover letter or CV:

1. Have you completed the following level of education: Master\'s or PhD?


2. Are you comfortable commuting to Wimbledon?


3. How many years of Plastics Manufacturing experience do you currently have?


4. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?


5. How many years of work experience do you have with Data Analysis?

Equal Opportunity Employer

Biophilica is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.