Polymer Scientist

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment; High Peak; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment is seeking a Polymer Scientist to collaborate with production, quality and commercial teams to develop high-quality polymer compounds.

You will contribute to formulation development, product testing, technical problem-solving and continuous improvement while supporting new product introductions and customer applications.

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience in a manufacturing or laboratory-based environment.
• Experience formulating polymeric/plastic materials.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage projects from concept through to completion.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• A proactive approach with the passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
• An understanding of AI and digital tools and how they can support product development and data analysis.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365; SAP experience would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across teams and with customers.

Responsibilities

• Support compound development projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Develop, test and optimise polymer formulations.
• Provide technical support during product scale-up and new product introductions.
• Investigate and resolve technical and customer-related challenges.
• Maintain accurate formulation data within SAP.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including raw material optimisation and cost reduction.
• Assist with laboratory operations and technical documentation.
• Explore the use of digital and AI tools to support innovation, product development and data analysis.
• Visit customers to understand requirements, support product trials and build strong working relationships.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and relevant regulatory requirements.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Project management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office 365

AI tools

Job description

The Role

As a Polymer Scientist, you'll work closely with production, quality, commercial teams and customers to develop high-quality, commercially viable polymer compounds. You'll be involved in formulation development, product testing, technical problem-solving, and continuous improvement projects while supporting new product introductions and customer applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Support compound development projects from concept through to commercialisation.
• Develop, test and optimise polymer formulations.
• Provide technical support during product scale-up and new product introductions.
• Investigate and resolve technical and customer-related challenges.
• Maintain accurate formulation data within SAP.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including raw material optimisation and cost reduction.
• Assist with laboratory operations and technical documentation.
• Explore the use of digital and AI tools to support innovation, product development and data analysis.
• Visit customers to understand requirements, support product trials and build strong working relationships.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and relevant regulatory requirements.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• A degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience in a manufacturing or laboratory-based environment.
• Experience formulating polymeric/plastic materials.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage projects from concept through to completion.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• A proactive approach with the passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
• An understanding of AI and digital tools and how they can support product development and data analysis.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365; SAP experience would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across teams and with customers.

Working Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday: 8:30am - 1:30pm