83 Material Science jobs in the United Kingdom

• Design, conduct, and analyse experiments related to materials science.
• Develop and synthesise new materials with specific properties.
• Utilise advanced characterisation techniques to analyse material structure and performance.
• Interpret complex data and generate comprehensive research reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on R&D projects.
• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Identify and pursue new research avenues and funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and regulatory standards.
• Mentor junior researchers and support their technical development.
• Maintain and operate specialised laboratory equipment.

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in experimental materials research and development.
• Proficiency in materials characterisation techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, etc.).
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with scientific literature review and technical writing.
• Knowledge of material synthesis and processing techniques.
• Ability to manage research projects and timelines.

• Conceive, design, and execute complex research projects in materials science, focusing on areas such as novel polymers, composites, nanomaterials, or advanced alloys.
• Lead the entire research lifecycle, from hypothesis generation and experimental design to data analysis and interpretation.
• Develop and refine advanced materials characterization techniques and methodologies.
• Secure research funding through grant writing and proposal development.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor and supervise postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and technical staff.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions and industry partners.
• Manage research budgets and ensure efficient utilization of laboratory resources.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the research group and institution.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and ethical research conduct.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in materials science.

• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated success in leading independent research projects and securing research funding.
• Expertise in a specific area of materials science, supported by advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, mechanical testing).
• Proven ability to mentor and guide research teams.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with experience in grant proposal writing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote research activities.

• Lead and manage complex research projects in advanced materials science, from conceptualization through to proof-of-concept and potential commercialization.
• Design and execute experimental methodologies for material synthesis, processing, and characterization.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to analyze material structures and properties.
• Interpret complex data sets, drawing scientifically sound conclusions and identifying new research avenues.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborations with internal teams (engineering, product development) and external academic and industrial partners.
• Author high-impact scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the research department, identifying emerging trends and opportunities in materials science.
• Manage research budgets and resources effectively to ensure project success.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Protect intellectual property through patent filings and technical disclosures.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience in a relevant industrial or academic setting.
• Demonstrated track record of leading successful research projects and delivering tangible scientific outcomes.
• Expertise in one or more areas of materials science, such as polymers, ceramics, composites, metals, or nanomaterials.
• Proficiency in advanced characterization techniques and instrumentation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in scientific writing and presentation.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and research teams.
• Experience with intellectual property management and patent strategy is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Lead and manage complex research projects in materials science, from initial concept through to validation.
• Design and conduct advanced experiments to investigate material properties, synthesis, and characterisation.
• Utilise a range of analytical techniques and instrumentation for material analysis (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy).
• Interpret experimental data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and develop innovative solutions.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and patent applications.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including universities and industry stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff.
• Ensure all research activities are conducted safely and in compliance with relevant regulations.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the research department and identify new research opportunities.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and to internal stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and literature in materials science and related fields.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities.

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in materials science.
• Proven expertise in the synthesis, characterisation, and testing of advanced materials.
• Strong proficiency with various materials characterisation techniques and associated instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects and managing research teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Experience with data analysis software and statistical methods.
• Familiarity with intellectual property processes is an advantage.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK.

• Leading and executing research projects focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials.
• Designing and conducting experiments using advanced analytical techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and thermal analysis.
• Developing novel materials with tailored properties for specific applications in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare.
• Interpreting complex experimental data, drawing scientifically sound conclusions, and preparing detailed technical reports and research publications.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product developers, to translate research findings into practical solutions.
• Mentoring and supervising junior researchers and technical staff.
• Securing research funding through grant writing and proposal development.
• Presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Staying current with the latest advancements in materials science and related fields.

• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science, with a proven publication record.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of material characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in specific areas such as polymers, composites, nanomaterials, or metallic alloys.
• Proven ability to lead research projects, manage budgets, and mentor junior staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts.
• Experience in writing successful grant proposals is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and scientific programming languages.

• Leading and conducting research projects focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials.
• Designing and executing experiments, collecting and analyzing data using sophisticated laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Developing theoretical models and simulations to understand material behavior and properties.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external partners on research initiatives and projects.
• Writing and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences.
• Mentoring junior researchers and contributing to the growth of the scientific team.
• Securing funding through grant applications and contributing to research proposals.
• Ensuring adherence to safety protocols and ethical guidelines in the laboratory.
• Staying abreast of the latest advancements and trends in materials science and related fields.
• Contributing to the strategic direction of the research department.

Job Title: Materials Scientist – for Sustainable Formulations & Process Development

Location: London, UK

Materials Scientist - Project-based Role for Sustainable Formulations & Process Development

Join Biophilica and Be Part of Shaping the Future of Sustainable Materials

Are you a materials scientist passionate about sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge materials development? Biophilica, a pioneering and award-winning materials science startup, is seeking a highly driven and organized commercial R&D scientist to join our team in London. If you have expertise in green chemistry, plastics, biopolymers, coatings, and surface chemistry — particularly with plastics, polysaccharides and plant-derived polymers — we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to contribute to the development and scaling of our award-winning plant-based materials with unique environmental benefits.

Why Biophilica?

We are a recognized startup on a mission to bring our truly sustainable leather alternative — Treekind® — to the mass market. Our team thrives on results and progress, efficiency in an agile environment.

Our achievements include:

• Launched material with ID Geneve Watches in 2023
• Pilot programme with 4 brands within the Fashion For Good network
• Project with beauty brand for packaging
• Demo-line and scale-up trials
• Treekind ranked #2 leather alternative worldwide: ecocult.com/list-vegan-leather-alternatives-ranked

Awards:

• Cartier Women’s Initiative 2024: 1st Place Europe
• PDS Ventures’ and Global Fashion Agenda’s Trailblazer 2024: Finalist
• Women in Innovation 2022
• Manufacturing Futures 2021
• Mills Fabrica Techstyle for Social Good 2021
• Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2021 (Finalist)
• Microfibre Innovation Challenge 2022 (Finalist)
• UKBAA Angel Investments Awards Finalist 2022 (Finalist)
• Vogue Yoox 2021 (Finalist)

Accelerators:

• LVMH Startup Accelerator 
• Fashion For Good accelerator followed by the FFG pilot program

About the Project-based Role

We are seeking a Masters or PhD-qualified Materials Scientist with 4 years of commercial experience in plastics and/or biopolymers. This role is perfect for a highly motivated, entrepreneurial scientist who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. You will develop formulations for product applications, processes and technologies, to rapidly scale our materials, ensuring they meet market quality and cost demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Novel materials design and development using green chemistry principles
• Formulation development, support process engineering and optimisation
• Implement quality control testing protocols
• Analyse and report on standard chemical and mechanical testing
• Collaborate closely with industrial research partners and external vendors
• Manage projects efficiently to deliver on time or ahead of schedule
• Occasionally travel within the UK/EU

What We’re Looking For

• Masters or PhD (or postdoctoral experience) ideally in Materials Science or Chemistry. Closely related fields will also be considered.
• Strong commercial research experience in plastics , plant-derived biopolymers and/or green chemistry, including polysaccharides.
• Experience in startup environments and a clear understanding of what drives startup success
• Knowledge of surface characterisation techniques and mechanical property analysis and processing of polymers
• Experience working with engineers focused on process design, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial production
• You are pragmatic , thrive on challenges and making the most of existing resources
• Excellent time-management, organisational, and project management skills
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders within and outside of your area
• Ability to work successfully, delivering results both independently and within a team

What We Offer

• A one year contract based on a newly awarded project
• Competitive salary
• Occasional travel for off-site visits within the UK and internationally
• A collaborative, agile, and innovative work environment
• The opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials
• A role in a team making a real environmental impact

How to Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter, CV, compensation expectations, and contact information for three professional references to .

Equal Opportunity Employer

Biophilica is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Join us in revolutionising sustainable materials