Research Scientist

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Venture-backed growth

Oxford spin-out environment

Rapid professional development

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment in Oxford is seeking a Research Scientist (Organic Synthesis) to join a fast-growing Oxfordshire materials company. The role is ideal for a recently-completed PhD or near completion with strong organic synthesis skills, offering hands-on lab work and collaboration across a multidisciplinary team.

You will develop coatings and materials chemistries, perform synthesis and characterisation, and contribute to product development and IP expansion in a commercial R&D

Qualifications

• PhD completed or near completion in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong hands‑on experience in organic synthesis.
• Excellent practical laboratory skills and experimental design capability.
• Experience in analysing and interpreting experimental data.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise novel coating and materials chemistries.
• Conduct laboratory-based synthesis and characterisation work.
• Support the expansion of the company technology platform and intellectual property portfolio.
• Contribute to new product development programmes.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary R&D team.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Problem solving

Commercial R&D interest

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry or related

Job description

Research Scientist (Organic Synthesis)

Location: Oxford, UK

Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 + Benefits

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Overview

Join an innovative chemistry company based in Oxfordshire, specialising in advanced materials technologies as a Research Scientist. This role is ideally suited for a recent PhD graduate or someone nearing completion of their PhD with a strong background in organic synthetic chemistry.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise novel coating and materials chemistries.
• Conduct laboratory-based synthesis and characterisation work.
• Support the expansion of the company technology platform and intellectual property portfolio.
• Contribute to new product development programmes.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary R&D team.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• PhD completed or close to completion in Organic Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong hands‑on experience in organic synthesis.
• Excellent practical laboratory skills and experimental design capability.
• Experience in analysing and interpreting experimental data.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Interest in applying research within a commercial R&D environment.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a fast-growing, venture-backed business.
• Engage in commercially impactful research.
• Excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to accelerate their professional development.
• Work within an Oxford technology spin‑out environment.

Application Process

To apply for this Research Scientist position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.