Senior Research Scientist

The People Co; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative food ingredient firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Research Scientist. This hands-on R&D role involves developing novel ingredient solutions and using analytical techniques such as HPLC and GCMS. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree or PhD and over 5 years of experience in a commercial or academic lab. You'll represent the science behind the products to clients and contribute to exciting projects that drive innovation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a commercial or academic lab.
• Strong understanding of specialist food ingredients.
• Mix of scientific rigour and commercial curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel ingredient solutions for industry challenges.
• Test and report on new applications using analytical techniques.
• Represent R&D in customer-facing settings.
• Contribute to IP and patent activity.

Skills

Analytical expertise

Food ingredient knowledge

Collaborative mindset

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, or Biotechnology

Tools

HPLC

GCMS

UV-vis

Job description

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We’re working with a small but globally connected business that’s doing fascinating work at the cutting edge of food ingredient innovation. They’re looking for a Senior Research Scientist to join the team, someone who’s equally comfortable in the lab and in front of a client.

This is a hands-on R&D role with a commercial twist. Alongside the technical work, you’ll be supporting the Head of R&D in customer meetings, conferences, presentations and representing the science behind the product to senior stakeholders, at some of the biggest names in the food industry.

You’ll also play a big part in driving forward exciting, meaningful projects, this isn’t a place where work gets done for the sake of it. Everything is focused, collaborative, and part of a bigger mission.

What you’ll be doing:

Developing novel ingredient solutions tailored to real industry challenges
Using analytical techniques (HPLC, GCMS, UV-vis, etc.) to test, improve, and report on new applications
Working closely with internal colleagues and external partners to share knowledge and move things forward
Representing the R&D function in customer-facing settings, from boardrooms to trade shows
Coaching and supporting colleagues, without managing a team
Contributing to IP and patent activity, and staying sharp on the science that underpins the commercial offer

What you’ll bring:

A Master’s degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or something similar
Experience working in a commercial or academic lab (5+ years)
Strong understanding of specialist food ingredients and their applications in food
Analytical expertise with methods such as HPLC, GCMS, UV-vis
A mix of scientific rigour and commercial curiosity, you're as happy discussing data as you are explaining its value to a CEO
A collaborative mindset, with a proactive, solutions-focused approach

Why this role?

The business is small and flat-structured, which means you won’t get lost in hierarchy or red tape. You’ll get to shape your own role (within reason), be trusted to make a difference, and work on some genuinely exciting technical challenges.

If you’re someone who’s excited by science and by the idea of seeing your work in action, influencing products, customers, and innovation, this is a rare opportunity to do both.

Next Steps

Sounds like your kind of role? Send your CV quoting PR/013141 and let’s have a chat about your future.

Applicants must be based in the UK with full working rights.

Due to high application volumes, if you don’t hear from us within a week, unfortunately, your application hasn’t been successful this time.