Senior Research Chemist

So Code Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials science company in Cambridge is seeking a dedicated R&D Lead to drive the formulation of next-generation wound care solutions. You'll engage in critical activities from formulation design to analytical testing, collaborating with teams to ensure products reach market swiftly. This role requires a PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science, with proven lab experience in product formulation and a passion for scientific innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• Proven experience in chemical or biomaterial formulation.
• Skilled in analytical techniques and microbiological methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D activities for formulation and testing of wound care solutions.
• Conduct in vitro performance evaluations and antimicrobial efficacy testing.
• Support transition of lab formulations to pilot scale development.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Microbiological methods

Chemical formulation

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

Job description

Socode are proud to be partnering with a next-generation materials science company developing patented gel barrier technologies for animals —with human healthcare applications on the horizon! Based in the beating heart of Cambridge’s biotech and deeptech cluster,this company combines scientific excellence and product develop to bring new products to market fast!

You’ll be joining a purpose-driven R&D team where your work directly influences how life-changing products go from bench to real-world application. This is rare chance to shape the development of novel formulations from early-stage research through to pilot production and market deployment. You can expect to see your products go to market within 12-18 months!

What will I be doing?
You will lead and contribute to critical R&D activities supporting formulation, testing, and scale-up of their next-generation wound care solutions, with responsibilities including:

Formulation & Product Development

• Design and optimise novel gel-based compositions using proprietary chemistry
• Rapidly prototype and refine formulations for both lab-based and field testing
• Collaborate with product and clinical specialists to align formulation performance with real-world requirements

Analytical & Microbiological Testing

• Conduct in vitro performance evaluations and contribute to antimicrobial efficacy testing
• Apply a range of analytical methods to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties
• Analyse data to inform formulation adjustments and product validation

Process & Scale-Up Development

• Support the transition of lab-based formulations to pilot and manufacturing scale
• Refine SOPs and contribute to process documentation for regulatory readiness
• Investigate packaging solutions that enhance product usability and shelf-life

Innovation & Strategy

• Identify new IP opportunities and contribute to patent development
• Conduct literature reviews and horizon scanning to inform future product development
• Document research activities rigorously and contribute to team knowledge-sharing

What do I need to be successful?

• A PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience in product formulation)
• Proven hands-on experience in chemical or biomaterial formulation in a lab environment
• Skilled inanalytical techniques - microbiological methods (training available)
• Comfortable working from SOPs and maintaining high-quality lab documentation
• Detail-focused, self-motivated, and passionate about turning science into real-world impact
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally in a small, agile team.

Interested in the role? Then you can either:
1. Submit your CV by clicking ‘apply now’ – We know it might not be up to date. Send what you have and we’ll talk.
2. Connect with me on LinkedIn for an informal chat – Mo Baker at Socode