Research Scientist

Croda; Daresbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension scheme

25 days paid holiday allowance

Private medical insurance

Share plans

Generous parental leave

Retail platform benefits

Free car parking on Croda sites

Job summary

Croda at Daresbury is seeking a Research Scientist to support the development of sustainable biotechnology-based products using fermentation, working across laboratory research, process development, analytical collaboration and scale-up activities.

You will design and run experiments, analyse data and communicate findings, with opportunities to work with synthetic biology, downstream processing, analytics and application teams in a site-based role.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Experience working in laboratory-based biotechnology, fermentation or bioprocess development activities.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments, analyse data and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and optimisation of upstream processes for biotechnology-derived materials and sustainable products.
• Design, perform and document laboratory experiments, including data analysis and technical interpretation.
• Work closely with synthetic biology, downstream processing, analytics and application teams to support integrated product development activities.
• Contribute to process development, scale-up and technology transfer support activities.
• Participate in technical discussions, project reviews and presentation of scientific findings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and actively support SHE and compliance requirements within the laboratory environment.

Skills

Biotechnology

Experiment design

Data analysis

Communication of findings

Collaborative mindset

SHE/documentation

Adaptability

Education

Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Bioprocess Engineering degree

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Analytical techniques

Job description

Croda is a FTSE100 organisation where we truly believe our people are our difference and this, along with our values of Innovative, Responsible and Together, create ‘our Purpose, Smart science to improve lives™’. With over 5,000 employees globally, we specialise in the research and development of innovative ingredients for the Life Science and Consumer Care markets.

We are focused on developing our inclusive culture through accountability, collaboration and innovation. By joining Croda, you will be part of a team who are using smart science to create a more sustainable future.

As we deliver our ambitious 2030 Growth Strategy, we’re looking for a Research Scientist to our team at Daresbury to support the development of sustainable biotechnology-based products using fermentation, working across laboratory research, process development, analytical collaboration and scale-up support activities within the Biotechnology R&T team.

Who We’re Looking For

At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.

• Degree qualified in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Experience working in laboratory-based biotechnology, fermentation or bioprocess development activities.
• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments, analyse data and communicate findings clearly.
• Interest in sustainable technologies and biotechnology-enabled product development.
• Strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to critically review scientific literature and apply findings to practical laboratory and process development activities.
• Willingness to learn new scientific techniques, methodologies and process technologies.
• Good organisational and documentation skills, including active participation in SHE and laboratory compliance activities.
• Positive, adaptable and solution-oriented approach, with a good sense of humour appreciated within the team.
• This is a laboratory-based, hands-on role with a strong focus on practical experimental and process development activities on site.

What You’ll Be Doing

Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.

• Support the development and optimisation of upstream processes for biotechnology-derived materials and sustainable products.
• Design, perform and document laboratory experiments, including data analysis and technical interpretation.
• Work closely with synthetic biology, downstream processing, analytics and application teams to support integrated product development activities.
• Contribute to process development, scale-up and technology transfer support activities.
• Participate in technical discussions, project reviews and presentation of scientific findings.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and actively support SHE and compliance requirements within the laboratory environment.
• Experience of synthetic biology, downstream processing and analytical techniques would be an advantage.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:

• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Access to share plans
• Generous parental leave
• Retail platform benefits
• Free car parking on Croda sites

In addition to the benefits above, employees also have access to a salary sacrifice car scheme* (after 6 months with the company), Cycle to Work scheme*, Health Cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme. As well as access to number of health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.

• Please note salary criteria is applicable for this benefit.

Additional Information

This is a site based role.

Why Croda?

At Croda, we believe our people are our difference. We are people-led, driven by the desire to do good and deliver value, a unifying principle shaped by all the great people that have travelled through Croda since our beginning in 1925. We pride ourselves on bringing together diverse teams and talents from across the globe and, guided by our values of Responsible, Innovative, and Together, we are passionate about building an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse organisation with innovation and customer focus underpinning all that we do.

Croda is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.