Research Scientist - Materials Science

SRG; North East; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

CPI is seeking an enthusiastic Research Scientist 1 to join its Materials Science team in a hands‑on, lab‑based role in Sedgefield. You will work on materials development, characterisation and testing across multiple projects, developing technical expertise in an industrial research environment.

The ideal candidate has a strong scientific foundation, enjoys practical lab work, and is eager to grow into independent researcher and customer-facing roles.

Qualifications

• Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering (with materials focus), Physics (materials focus) or related discipline.
• Experience in materials development, characterisation or lab-based research from university, placements or industry.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong communication skills to engage with colleagues and customers.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and execute laboratory-based materials science experiments.
• Develop and test materials, perform characterisation and analysis.
• Analyse results and present findings to teams and customers.
• Maintain accurate lab records, reports and documentation.
• Work across multiple projects with changing priorities and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and to quality standards.
• Prepare technical reports and project deliverables for customers.
• Support safe working practices and maintain equipment and facilities.
• Develop technical knowledge through exposure to diverse materials science projects.

Skills

Scientific foundations

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Education

BSc/MSc or equivalent in Materials Science or related

Tools

Materials characterisation

Job description

Research Scientist 1 - Materials Science
Sedgefield | Fixed Term 12 Months | £26,939 - £34,939 per annum (dependent on experience)

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist 1 to join CPI's Materials Science team.
This role is ideally suited to an early-career scientist who is passionate about materials science and eager to develop their technical expertise within an industrial research environment. We're not necessarily looking for extensive industry experience; we're looking for someone with strong scientific foundations, curiosity, adaptability and the potential to grow into an independent researcher.

As part of a collaborative team, you'll contribute to the delivery of multiple research and innovation projects simultaneously, working alongside colleagues from a variety of scientific and engineering backgrounds. You will play a hands‑on role in laboratory‑based research, undertaking experimentation, materials development, characterisation and testing activities to help solve real‑world challenges for our customers, in areas such as sustainable materials, functional materials and coatings

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the design, planning and execution of laboratory-based materials science experiments.
• Carrying out materials development, characterisation, testing and analysis activities.
• Analysing and interpreting experimental results and presenting findings to colleagues and project teams.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records, technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Working across multiple projects simultaneously, adapting to changing priorities and customer requirements.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovation projects to agreed timescales and quality standards.
• Supporting the preparation of technical reports and project deliverables for customers.
• Contributing to safe working practices and maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Developing your technical knowledge and research capability through exposure to a broad range of materials science projects.

About You
We're interested in individuals with strong scientific potential who are keen to develop a career in applied research and development.
You may have:

• A degree (BSc,MSc or equivalent) in:
  • Materials Science
  • Chemistry
  • Materials Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering (with a materials focus)
  • Physics (with a materials focus)
  • Or a related scientific discipline
• Experience of materials development, materials characterisation or laboratory-based research gained through university projects, placements, internships or industry.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with colleagues and customers as your career develops.

Particularly Relevant Experience
Whilst not essential, we would be interested in candidates with knowledge or experience of:

• Materials characterisation techniques
• Spectroscopy (FTIR, UV-Vis, Raman)
• Microscopy (SEM, AFM)
• Thermal analysis
• Rheology and material testing
• Functional materials and coatings
• Sustainable materials
• Materials formulation and testing

What We're Looking For
This role would suit someone who:

• Enjoys hands‑on laboratory work.
• Can work across a variety of projects and scientific challenges.
• Is adaptable, inquisitive and eager to learn.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Has the potential to develop into a customer‑facing scientist and future project leader.
• Wants to make a real impact through applied research and innovation.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of CPI's most diverse technical teams, working on projects that span multiple sectors and technologies. You'll gain exposure to a broad range of materials science challenges, working with experienced scientists and engineers while developing the skills needed to become an independent researcher and technical specialist.

Whether you've recently graduated or already have some laboratory experience, if you're excited by the prospect of solving complex scientific problems and helping bring innovative technologies to market, we'd love to hear from you.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.