R&D Chemist - Food Packaging Innovation

JR United Kingdom; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food packaging innovation is seeking an R&D Chemist in Haverhill. This role will focus on developing new technologies for extending food shelf life, integrating antimicrobial solutions into packaging materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong chemistry background and a passion for sustainability in food technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Minimum 2 years in R&D, focusing on technology development in packaging.

Responsibilities

• Develop new technology for extending food shelf life using antimicrobial agents.
• Conduct tests for stability and performance of packaging materials.
• Collaborate on refining technologies to meet regulatory standards.

Skills

Materials chemistry

Polymer chemistry

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Chemistry

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

R&D Chemist - Food Packaging Innovation, haverhill

col-narrow-left

Client:

Location:

haverhill, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Views:

3

Posted:

28.06.2025

Expiry Date:

12.08.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Company Overview:

At Klura, we are passionate about innovating systems against bioburdens, with a particular focus on the food system. Our mission is to extend the shelf life of food products by developing advanced materials integrated into plastic and paper packaging. By 2035, we aim to be the world's #1 brand in functional materials that combat bioburden, making a significant impact on global food preservation.

We are currently looking for an R&D Chemist to join our dedicated team working on breakthrough technologies aimed at enhancing food safety and quality. As a key player in our R&D department, you will be instrumental in

testing and optimising formulations that integrate antimicrobial solutions into packaging materials, such as plastics and textiles.

With the success of our new food shelf life extension solution, we are looking to diversify our product range with a new technology platform. The role is to design the technology from the ground up with a clear route to market and scale-up. If you are a passionate scientist that seeks to see their work hit supermarket shelves, then this is the right role for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research, develop, and optimise a new technology platform for extending food shelf life by incorporating antimicrobial and functional agents into plastic and paper packaging materials.
• Focus on technologies to be developed in the lab and upscaled to produce products at manufacturing partners facilities.
• Conduct in-depth testing of these technologies for stability, performance, and scalability.

Technical Analysis & Optimisation:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of active ingredients such as approved food preservatives and
• approved food contact materials when integrated into various materials (e.g., plastics,
• Work on optimising material properties such as release kinetics, compatibility with food
• safety standards, mechanical performance and real life usage simulation.
• Collaborate with the team to refine technologies and ensure they meet regulatory standards for food packaging materials.
• Prepare detailed experimental reports, technical data, and presentations for stakeholders.

Process Development:

• Help develop and refine manufacturing processes for embedding active ingredients into packaging materials.
• Investigate new materials and processes that can be used to enhance food shelf life while ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards.
• Stay current on emerging technologies in food packaging and antimicrobial materials.
• Provide technical insights and contribute to patent development as part of Klura’s intellectual property strategy.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• An undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience working with either: polymers, plastics, hydrocolloids, particles synthesis or a related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in R&D roles, particularly focused on technology development or NPD of chemical related technologies in packaging or materials science space.
• Familiarity with integrating additives into plastics, cellulose, and other materials is highly desirable but not essential.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of one of the following: materials chemistry, polymer chemistry, particles or biopolymers.
• Understanding requirements for food packaging desirable.
• Adaptability to evolving projects that require rapid troubleshooting and design of experiments.
• Proficiency and basic understanding in using lab instruments for materials/polymer/Particle testing and measuring

Additional Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to present technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• A passion for innovation and sustainable solutions in food technology.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas and materials.
• Attention to detail, ensuring that all technologies meet the required standards for performance and safety.
• A commitment to driving positive change in the food system through innovative packaging solutions.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to design and realise technology that will combat food waste.
• The chance to make a tangible impact on the global food system and sustainability.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking environment focused on innovation and continuous learning.
• Competitive salary, benefits package and opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

If you're a chemist with a passion for innovation and sustainability, and you're ready to make a real difference in food technology, we'd love to hear from you.

Starting salary between £30,000–£35,000 DOE (depending on experience)