Lab

Research Scientist – Permanent Full-time Position Laboratory / Office Based in London, UK

About Polymateria

Polymateria’s mission is to tackle the global crisis of fugitive plastic waste, reducing its impact on the natural environment and ecosystems. Based on the White City Campus of Imperial College in London’s I-HUB, Polymateria has invested heavily in R&D and Innovation to set new standards for biodegradable plastic and is now scaling up its operations.

About the role

Polymateria is seeking to appoint a Research Scientist in the area of masterbatch performance for degradable polymers. The candidate will be an integral part of the Innovation Team based in the UK and will work closely with colleagues in London and around the world. The team includes scientists, technologists, and engineers who work to deliver leading edge science in a corporate R&D environment operating to the highest standards. This is a permanent and full-time position, based at Polymateria’s HQ and home of our laboratories in the Translation and Innovation Hub of Imperial College at White City, London, UK.

The Individual

The ideal candidate will be motivated by using chemistry as a tool to develop products with better sustainability features and performance. They will be a highly organized logical and analytical thinker, who functions well in an individual or team environment. The candidate should be sufficiently autonomous to lead and troubleshoot research projects, including development of novel methods to study bio/-degradation of polymers, investigate reaction mechanisms and kinetics, and contribute to peer-review publications and patents.  As a subject matter expert, they will come up with new approaches to solving chemistry challenges and will use innovative approaches to test scientific hypotheses in the laboratory.  The candidate will be excited about progressing sustainable chemistry solutions and will be skilled in communicating technical results in a format accessible to a non-technical audience.  Additionally, the candidate will be dynamic and adaptable, with a willingness to grow and develop new skills adjacent to their technical area in order to meet the needs of a growing and fast-paced sustainable plastics technology company.

The Role

The Key Skills for this laboratory-based role include, but are not limited to:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Polymer Science
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry, with polyolefin chemistry being an advantage
• Experience in operating and applying analytical chemistry techniques, such as FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, XRD, CHNS analyser (experience with GPC is an asset)
• Demonstrated ability to creatively address technology challenges
• Proficiency in the use of digital tools to accelerate learning is an asset
• Industry experience in the areas of polymer, plastics or packaging is an advantage but not required
• Good communication and presentation skills are a must
• Resilience to change in an evolving environment is critical
• Proficiency in the use of key IT skills, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Adherence to all company HSEQ requirements

Benefits

• Enrolment in company pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We embrace diversity and are committed to welcoming everyone, irrespective of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability. To fight the plastic pollution crisis effectively, we need a team of diverse perspectives and backgrounds!

How to apply

PleasTo apply, please complete the application form here: https://forms.gle/mfMY8FfMLog7r9Bh8.

Please note: Only applications submitted via this form will be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.