Research Scientist

The RoleAt Notpla, we create disappearing packaging carefully engineered for a healthy planet. Founded on the belief that nature knows best, we’re an innovative, ideas and action-oriented scale-up developing and manufacturing packaging solutions from seaweed and plants that disappear naturally. We are currently looking to recruit a Research Scientist to join our innovative Research team to support our pivotal research and development with a particular focus on our rapidly developing films product.At Notpla, we strongly believe in our mission and our employees' ability to help us achieve our goals. We encourage everyone who joins us to develop and grow and take responsibility for your domain without micromanagement. Our objective is to foster a fantastic business culture that is reflected in our working policies and environment.Besides offering exciting roles and a great working environment, Notpla provides competitive salaries, the potential for EMI Share Options, a zero-carbon pension scheme, discounts with local businesses, and subsidised social activities. Our flexible working policy allows you to work at your own pace.We are a social business with regular clubs and events, and we are proud of how our diverse workplace has created a community that is all pushing towards the common goal of making plastic disappear.The driving force behind every Notpla product is its research department. A highly innovative and talented team of individuals comprising graduates, experienced scientists, PhDs, and industry professionals, this diverse range of backgrounds has enabled the team to build a solid technical expertise capable of answering any question. As a team member, you will be encouraged to pursue your ideas, trusted in your role, and empowered to strive for the best. As a Research Scientist you will be responsible for the formulation development of natural, edible, biodegradable materials for packaging applications, working closely with the development team to push our products into the real world.Your profileWe are looking for an experienced scientist with a degree in Polymer Science or Engineering, Materials Science or Chemistry with a strong understanding of polymeric materials and extrusion technologies. You will have a demonstrable interest in natural materials and extrusion, ideally with hands-on experience working with plastics processing. You will also have at least a years experience working in an industrial research environment within bioplastics, polymer extrusion or polymer processing, or a PhD within a relevant discipline. As well as the above, your day to day responsibilities will also include:Identifying, sourcing and testing natural materials with specific target propertiesCharacterisation of materials performance using mechanical and physical techniques e.g. tensile testing Preparation of samples using extrusion and other techniquesWorking closely with the development & scale up team to translate lab scale formulations to the larger scale, including participation in internal and external manufacturing trials where neededConducting shelf-life evaluation and quality analysis of prototypes and finished productsBenchmarking of Notpla formulations against industrial standardsExtrusion of natural material formulations through compounding and film formationIf the above sounds like something you can see yourself doing, then please apply with a CV and cover letter and someone from our recruitment team will be in touch.SalaryNegotiable
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