Senior Materials Scientist - Coatings

CT19; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Healthcare

Improved Pension

Job summary

CT19 in Cambridge, UK, seeks a Formulation Scientist to lead the development of collagen-based coatings for advanced biomaterials within the Product Development Team. You will apply biobased polymer chemistry to translate fundamental science into scalable, high-performance coatings and act as a technical lead for formulation strategy.

The role requires a PhD with 2–8 years (or Master's with 5+ years) in a relevant field, proven coatings formulation experience, and collaborative, cross-functional

Qualifications

• PhD with 2-8 years in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or Coatings Science; or a Master's with 5+ years industrial experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of collagen-based coating formulations from concept to pilot-scale.
• Develop coatings with targeted performance: flexibility, hand feel, adhesion, processability.
• Act as technical lead for coatings within the product development team; guide strategy.

Skills

Formulation science

Coatings

Dispersions

Emulsions

Education

PhD with 2–8 years

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join an innovative materials company developing next-generation bio-based materials for global consumer brands. The company is revolutionising materials through creativity, science, and scale. Its flagship material is a sophisticated bio-based material engineered from collagen, designed to combine strong performance, sophisticated handfeel, and scalable production. The business partners with leading consumer brands to create products that meet high standards of commercial viability, performance, and sustainability. Joining the company means helping shape the future of materials on a global stage. This is an opportunity for an ambitious, entrepreneurial scientist who wants to challenge convention, move quickly, and contribute to lasting industry change.

About the Role

As a Formulation Scientist within the Product Development Team, you will lead the formulation development of next-generation collagen-based coatings for advanced biomaterials. This role combines expertise in biobased polymer chemistry with hands-on formulation development, helping translate fundamental science into scalable, high-performance coatings. You will act as a subject matter expert in coatings and formulation science, driving innovation in collagen modification, coating architectures, and application processes to deliver materials with superior aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. You will play a critical role in bridging chemistry and product performance, developing formulations that are compatible with the company’s material platforms and scalable manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of novel collagen-based coating formulations, from concept through to pilot-scale validation.
• Develop coatings that deliver targeted performance properties, including flexibility, hand feel, adhesion, and processability.
• Act as the technical lead for coatings within the product development team, guiding formulation strategy and decision-making.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with material scientists, process engineers, and manufacturing teams to ensure scalability and robustness of formulations.
• Optimise coating processes including mixing, application, and finishing.
• Identify and implement new chemistries, additives, and technologies to enhance coating functionality and sustainability.
• Design and execute experimental plans, analyse data, and communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety standards in all formulations and processes.
• Stay up to date with scientific literature, patents, and industry trends in coatings, biomaterials, and collagen chemistry.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and new product innovation pipelines.

Qualifications

• A PhD with 2-8 years of industrial or academic experience in a relevant scientific discipline, such as Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Coatings Science; or a Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant industrial experience.

Required Skills

• Strong expertise in formulation science, particularly in coatings, dispersions, emulsions, or polymer systems.
• Proven experience developing and optimising coating formulations for performance applications.

Preferred Skills

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Collagen-based materials, including films, hydrogels, or matrices, and formulation development for these systems.
• Coatings for textiles, leather, or flexible substrates.
• Polymer dispersions, such as polyurethanes, acrylics, or bio-based alternatives.
• Rheology and formulation behaviour for coating applications.
• Characterisation techniques such as rheology and mechanical testing.
• Surface science, adhesion, and interface engineering.
• Translating lab-scale formulations to pilot or manufacturing scale.

Pay range and compensation package

Salary: £47,000 - £60,000 dependent on experience + Bonus/Equity/Healthcare/Improved Pension