Materials Scientist

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

London, UK

Join Biophilica and Help Shape 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, biopolymers, coatings, and surface chemistry — particularly with 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 cosmetics brand for packaging
• Demo-line and scale-up trials
• Treekind ranked #2 leather alternative worldwide

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 PhD-qualified Materials Scientist with commercial experience in biopolymers and green chemistry to join us for a contract project. 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 in the Project:

• 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

• PhD (or postdoctoral experience) ideally in Materials Science. Chemistry, or a closely related field will also be considered.
• Strong commercial research experience in plant-derived biopolymers and 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 of polymers
• Experience working with engineers focused on process design, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial production
• You thrive on challenges
• Excellent time-management, organisational, and project management skills
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work successfully, delivering results both independently and within a team

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Occasional travel for off-site visits
• 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 careers@biophilica.co.uk.

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