R&D Scientist – Materials & Polymers (Onsite UK)

CooperVision Limited; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Healthcare cover

Life assurance

Wellness Platform access

Discounted contact lens scheme

Job summary

CooperVision Southampton is recruiting a Scientist for the R&D team. The role focuses on experimental design, materials science, and process development to support contact lens technologies.

You will work on early-stage research through product and process development, executing experiments, analysing data, and communicating findings. A strong background in chemistry, polymer science, or related fields is essential, along with hands-on lab experience and collaboration across the wider team.

Qualifications

• Sound grounding in scientific principles, experimental design and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of research and development methodologies with the ability to plan, execute, and interpret experiments.
• Knowledge of materials science, chemistry, polymer science, biomaterials, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of experimental techniques and laboratory practices relevant to materials, formulations, chemistry, or related scientific disciplines.
• Bachelor of Science degree with minimum 3 years’ experience in Chemistry, Material Sciences, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences or related field, or Master of Science degree in the listed subjects with minimum 2 years’ experience, or PhD in the listed subjects.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing experimental plans, applying scientific principles to investigate scientific questions, solve technical challenges, and support development objectives.
• Supporting projects spanning early-stage research, technology development, and product development, managing assigned activities, deliverables, and timelines.
• Applying critical thinking and sound scientific judgement to interpret results, identify issues, and recommend next steps.
• Analysing data using appropriate statistical and scientific techniques; prepares technical reports and presentations to communicate findings clearly.
• Contributing to the generation and evaluation of new scientific ideas, technologies, and approaches aligned with project objectives.
• Identifying technical challenges and contributes to problem‑solving activities using an innovative and structured approach.
• Contributing to continuous improvement in experimental methods, laboratory practices, tools, and ways of working.
• Building technical expertise through the review of scientific literature and awareness of relevant technological developments.
• Supporting training, knowledge sharing, and onboarding activities within the team where appropriate.

Job description

CooperVision Southampton is recruiting a Scientist for the R&D team. The role focuses on experimental design, materials science, and process development to support contact lens technologies.

You will work on early-stage research through product and process development, executing experiments, analysing data, and communicating findings. A strong background in chemistry, polymer science, or related fields is essential, along with hands-on lab experience and collaboration across the wider team.