Scientist

CooperVision; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Healthcare cover

Life assurance

Wellness Platform

Discounted contact lens scheme

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

CooperVision in Southampton, UK is seeking a Scientist to join the R&D team. The role focuses on designing and executing experimental research for novel materials, formulations and processes for contact lens applications, with hands-on work and close collaboration with the wider R&D group.

We require a strong scientific background with a BSc (3+ years) or MSc/PhD in relevant fields, plus excellent data analysis, literature interpretation, and technical communication.

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

• Design and execute experimental plans to investigate scientific questions and support development objectives.
• Support projects spanning early-stage research, technology development, and product development, managing assigned activities, deliverables, and timelines.
• Apply critical thinking to interpret results, identify issues, and recommend next steps.
• Analysing data using statistical techniques; prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate findings clearly.
• Contribute to generation and evaluation of new scientific ideas, technologies, and approaches aligned with project objectives.
• Identify technical challenges and contribute to problem-solving activities with an innovative approach.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in experimental methods and lab practices.
• Build technical expertise through literature review and awareness of developments.
• Support training, knowledge sharing, and onboarding activities within the team.

Skills

Apply scientific principles

Translate scientific understanding

Experimental planning

Data analysis

Technical report writing

Teamwork

Time management

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor of Science with 3+ years in Chemistry/Material Sciences/Polymer Science/Chemical Engineering/Biology

Master of Science with 2+ years in listed subjects

PhD in listed subjects

Job description

Job Description

Job title: Scientist

Department: R&D

Location: Southampton, UK

GLS: T02

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, on site

A brighter future awaits you

CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses, it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

Job summary – What to expect

Research and Development (R&D) is central to lens design, material innovation, and process advancement within CooperVision, leading to the creation of new product and technology opportunities for the business. This role contributes to projects spanning early-stage research, technology development, and product development. Activities may include the investigation of novel materials, formulations, and processes, development of new methodologies, generation of scientific understanding, and optimisation of products and processes to support project objectives. The position involves participation in multiple project activities, working closely with the wider R&D group, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on experimental work and scientific investigation. The primary focus of the Scientist role is to design and execute experimental research and development activities relating to novel materials, formulations and processes for contact lens applications. The role may support projects ranging from early‑stage exploratory research through to product and process development. The Scientist will generate high‑quality experimental data, analyse and interpret results, and contribute to the advancement of research, technology, and product development programmes.

Key activities include

• 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.

A Full Job Description Is Available Upon Request.

About you

We are looking for someone with the following skills:

• Ability to apply scientific principles to investigate technical challenges and support the development of new products, materials, and processes.
• Ability to translate scientific understanding into practical experimental approaches and technical solutions.
• Ability to work effectively on projects spanning exploratory research, technology development, and product development.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply highly technical scientific literature.
• Technical report writing and scientific communication skills.
• Data analysis and presentation skills, including the application of basic statistical techniques.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work to agreed timelines.

Experience & Education

Required:

• 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.

What we offer

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more! We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours. We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering an inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success.

All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.