Senior Synthetic Chemist

We are pleased to bring to market an exclusive new opportunity for a
Senior Synthetic Chemist
to join a Cambridge-based Biomaterials Start-up developing climate-responsible materials at scale for fashion and beyond. We are a fast-growing team that develops disruptive novel bio-based materials. We help brands looking to incorporate more sustainable materials in their products, without compromising quality. We do this by investing heavily in product development and are backed by global venture investors to reach industrial-scale commercialisation. Our products are made from collagen and have the same performance characteristics as incumbent leather materials.
As a Senior Scientist specializing in Organic Chemistry, you will be developing innovative and sustainable biobased materials. You will provide technical expertise in the fundamental transformations taking place in our process and be responsible for the development of new formulations and chemistry to tune and improve the properties of our biobased materials. You will have on-the-job learning opportunities to develop expertise in different areas of biobased materials development including formulation, mixing, casting, lamination and finishing. If you are looking to use your skills in organic and materials chemistry to make an impact and find the prospect of developing novel biobased materials exciting, then please read on!
Job Title : Senior Synthetic Chemist
Salary : £DoE + Benefits including (6% pension, relocation allowance, flexible working hours, private health and dental insurance.)
Location : Cambridge
Job Role:
Investigate and conduct research into new product formulations and chemistry entering the development pipeline using state-of-the-art methodologies.
Act as a synthetic and organic chemistry expert in the product development team with a focus on establishing chemical compatibility in formulation development for material functionalisation.
Collaborate closely with the product development team for formulation chemistry, process optimisation, scale-up and manufacturing scoping and development.
Discover, expand and implement new or existing chemical technologies for collagen-based modifications that yield competitive advantage.
Conduct trials to evaluate materials performance and establish structure-property correlation.
Scope, monitor and report your work and ensure timely deliverables of excellent quality.
Ensure all technology practices adhere to the strictest regulatory standards.
Review research articles and patents in the relevant field.
Required Experience:
PhD with 2 or more years of industrial /academic experience in synthetic organic chemistry or >6 years relevant experience.
A solid level of experience in the functionalization and/or processing of biobased polymers with a focus on improving the properties of the finished material.
Proven ability to root-cause and resolve technically challenging problems.
Work independently to manage timelines and deliver results, while being an effective team contributor.
Aptitude with electronic word processing, spreadsheet and presentation systems, as well as comfort in using electronic systems and databases.
It is desirable if you have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Experience and knowledge in functionalising and characterizing of soft materials (film/matrix/sponge/hydrogel/collagen/etc).
Experience and knowledge in methods of characterizing formulations and materials, such as rheology, DSC and TGA.
Experience and knowledge in formulation used in the leather industry (fat liquors, tanning agents etc.) and ability to best simulate the leather hand feel/performance in our products.
Experience and knowledge in the use of Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPiP or similar software) as a tool for formulation and/or experiment planning.
Please apply with an up to date CV and we will contact you with further information.