1,146 Research And Development Engineer jobs in the United Kingdom

• Lead and conduct advanced research and development activities in materials science, focusing on synthesis, characterization, and application testing.
• Design and execute experiments to develop new materials with enhanced properties for specific applications.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation (e.g., SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy) to characterize material structure, properties, and performance.
• Interpret complex experimental data, draw meaningful conclusions, and prepare comprehensive research reports and scientific publications.
• Collaborate with internal and external research teams, academic institutions, and industry partners to advance R&D projects.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patent applications.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Manage R&D project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in materials science and related fields.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and ethical research practices.
• Present research findings at international conferences and symposia.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external funding and grants.
• Translate fundamental scientific discoveries into potential technological innovations.
• Contribute to strategic planning for future R&D initiatives.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in materials science, with a strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of materials synthesis techniques and advanced characterization methods.
• Proven ability to design and conduct complex experimental investigations.
• Deep understanding of solid-state physics, thermodynamics, and phase transformations.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Experience managing R&D projects and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and scientific modeling tools.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.
• A passion for scientific discovery and innovation.

Graduate R&D Engineer / Physicist

Location: Cambridge, UK

Salary: £30,000 – £40,000

Benefits: Comprehensive package including profit-related bonus, company performance bonus, private medical insurance, life insurance, pension scheme, and free lunch

Contact: Adam Mayne – |

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and motivated Graduate Physicist or R&D Engineer to join a cutting-edge product development team in Cambridge. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the design and development of next-generation fluid control technologies that are transforming the medical, life sciences, environmental, and industrial sectors.

As part of the multidisciplinary R&D team, you will be part of team exploring and applying advanced physical principles, such as piezoelectricity, non-linear acoustics, and resonant mechanics to develop innovative and disruptive products. As you progress you’ll be involved in every stage of the development cycle, from concept generation and prototyping to design refinement and commercial launch.

This role is ideal for recent graduates (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in Physics or Engineering who have hands-on experience in applied physics through academic projects, internships, or industry placements.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and develop novel fluid control technologies using applied physics.
• Design and execute experiments to validate concepts and prototypes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring products from concept to market.
• Apply analytical and experimental techniques in mechanics, fluidics, and acoustics.
• Contribute to the automation of laboratory testing using tools such as Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB.

Candidate Profile

• A 1st or 2:1 degree in Physics or Engineering (MSc or PhD advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience in applied physics and concept development.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills, especially in mechanics, fluidics, and acoustics.
• Practical lab skills and the ability to design and run experiments independently.
• Creative, curious, and imaginative approach to problem-solving.
• Experience with simple electronic circuit design is a plus.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data analysis and test automation is beneficial.

Location

Based in Cambridge, this role is easily commutable from Newmarket, Huntingdon, St Neots, Royston, Bury St Edmunds, Stevenage, and surrounding areas.

• Assist senior researchers in conducting experiments and laboratory procedures.
• Collect, record, and analyze scientific data accurately.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and research logs.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and samples as required for experiments.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
• Contribute to the writing of research reports and scientific papers.
• Participate in team meetings and present findings.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Support the general running and upkeep of the laboratory facilities.

• A recent Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry).
• Strong academic background with excellent grades.
• Demonstrated interest in scientific research.
• Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and safety practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data recording.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive and eager-to-learn attitude.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to scientific advancements.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all operational aspects of the research center, including laboratory management, facilities upkeep, equipment maintenance, and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, safety, and scientific productivity.
• Oversee budget management, financial planning, and resource optimization for operational activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Manage and develop a diverse team of operational staff, including laboratory managers, facilities personnel, and administrative support.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and ethical regulations pertaining to scientific research.
• Collaborate closely with Principal Investigators, research scientists, and administrative departments to support research goals and project timelines.
• Lead initiatives for infrastructure development, technology adoption, and facility upgrades to support cutting-edge research.
• Develop and implement robust risk management strategies for operational activities.
• Oversee procurement processes for equipment, consumables, and services, ensuring value for money.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that supports scientific advancement and operational excellence.

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, or an MBA with a strong focus on operations management.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, preferably within a university, research institute, or a high-tech R&D environment.
• Proven experience managing complex budgets and financial resources in a scientific or academic setting.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, safety protocols, and scientific equipment.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academics, researchers, and external stakeholders.
• Experience with project management methodologies and infrastructure development is essential.
• Knowledge of grant funding processes and compliance requirements is advantageous.
• A commitment to promoting a safe, efficient, and innovative research environment.

• Lead the design and execution of ambitious research projects in biotechnology, with a focus on developing novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs.
• Direct and mentor a team of research scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performance research environment.
• Develop and implement innovative experimental strategies using advanced molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics techniques.
• Critically analyse complex biological data, interpret results, and draw robust conclusions to guide research direction.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and secure external funding for research initiatives.
• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical development departments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant ethical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols within the laboratory.
• Identify emerging scientific trends and technologies relevant to the company's strategic goals.
• Contribute to the intellectual property strategy through patent filings and disclosures.

• A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, or a closely related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience in an academic or industrial R&D setting.
• A distinguished track record of publications in leading scientific journals and successful grant acquisition.
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, next-generation sequencing (NGS), mammalian cell culture, protein expression and purification, and various assay development platforms.
• Proven experience in leading and managing research projects and scientific teams.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information effectively.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to identify and pursue novel research opportunities.
• Experience in bioinformatics and computational biology is advantageous.

• Designing and implementing advanced genomic research projects, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) experiments.
• Developing and optimizing protocols for DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing.
• Analyzing large-scale genomic datasets using bioinformatics tools and statistical methods.
• Interpreting genomic data to identify disease markers, understand biological pathways, and drive therapeutic insights.
• Managing and maintaining genomic research infrastructure, including sequencing platforms and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Collaborating with internal and external research groups to foster new scientific partnerships.
• Preparing high-impact research publications for peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior scientists and research assistants.
• Ensuring strict adherence to all laboratory safety protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Contributing to the development of grant proposals and securing research funding.

• PhD in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience or equivalent industry experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and associated workflows.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and software for genomic data analysis (e.g., R, Python, Bioconductor).
• Strong understanding of molecular biology techniques and genetic principles.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex scientific experiments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific reporting and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative member of a remote research team.

• Lead independent research projects focused on the discovery and development of biologic drugs (e.g., antibodies, proteins, vaccines).
• Design, optimize, and perform complex in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets, employing advanced statistical methods.
• Develop and implement novel assays and technologies for biological research.
• Author high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Mentor and guide junior research scientists and postdoctoral fellows.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical development.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent applications.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety regulations and ethical guidelines.
• Manage research budgets and resources effectively.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and competitive landscape in biologics research.

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in the biopharmaceutical industry or equivalent academic setting, with a strong focus on biologics.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading research projects and delivering impactful scientific outcomes.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to biologics development.
• Proven expertise in assay development, validation, and characterization of biologic molecules.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R).
• Experience with bioinformatics tools is a plus.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes.