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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in Colloid Science, from concept to commercialisation.
- Company: CPI transforms innovative ideas into reality, tackling global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 36 days holiday, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in various industries while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates have a degree or higher in a scientific discipline and experience in Colloid Science.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with industry experts await you!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About CPI
CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We’re a team of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products. From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.
Why this role is important for CPI’s work
CPI has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Scientist to join the established Colloid Science team. The Colloids team win and deliver a broad range of commercial and collaborative R & D projects in the area of paints & coatings, agritech, food & feed, FMCG and pharmaceuticals. You will be responsible for providing technical expertise, capability and input contributing to the delivery of projects in the broad area of Colloid Science. You will act as a technical lead, leading medium and large-scale complex projects ranging from initial proof of concept lasting a few months to multi-year projects/programs. You will draw upon your technical skills and experience to provide carefully thought through advice and expertise to a range of stakeholders across CPI.
You will work closely with the Business Development and Bid writing teams to secure new public and privately funded projects in the Colloid Science space. You will have the opportunity to work at the interface of academia and industry, with a large number of projects, partners, technologies, and market sectors. This variety will give you the opportunity to work on fundamental science/R & D as well as product development and commercialisation.
While reporting to the team manager, it is also expected you will work as first line management to a small number of colleagues (up to 5) within the wider team (total team members approx. 20), ensuring delivery of departmental goals, through delegation and providing feedback and motivation to team members. This will include working alongside the team manager in managing allocation of resource to ensure project delivery and development of the team.
This role is ideal if you are committed to and actively seek opportunities to develop yourself, can quickly adapt to different aspects of a role and enjoy working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Key tasks in the role will include (but are not limited to the below):
- To supervise the team, ensuring delivery of departmental goals, through appropriate delegation and providing feedback and motivation to team members.
- To undertake line manager activities to ensure the smooth running of the group.
- To identify new technical developments and trends, translate these into building blocks for opportunities across and outside of CPI and initiate the creation of (new) technological innovations/applications.
- To build, influence and exploit a network of relevant (inter)national external stakeholders, customers, partners, research organisations and authorities, to represent CPI as the technical expert in networks and discuss and lobby for projects and future developments.
- To actively contribute to a culture of continuous capability development within teams, in alignment with company strategy and project deliverables.
- To work collaboratively with Business Development and technical colleagues, providing support relating to proposal/project development and direct customer engagement.
- To act as a credible partner to Bid Development teams, actively involved in defining and advising on the technical elements of a bid, in order to develop a programme of works.
- To set up, plan and execute experimental/pilot scale runs and analyse, interpret, and report the results of these, translating obtained findings and knowledge.
The person we are seeking
Applications are particularly welcome from candidates with experience in paints & coatings, advanced materials, agritech, food & feed and FMCG. As the team work on projects across multiple sectors, it is highly desirable that candidates have experience in two or more of these areas. Applications are also welcome from candidates with expertise in pharmaceuticals with a view to involvement in ongoing and future projects in, for example, encapsulation of pharmaceutical actives in lipid nanoparticles.
Successful candidates will be educated to HNC, Foundation Degree, Degree, master’s degree or PhD level (or equivalent) in a Scientific/Engineering discipline, plus relevant industrial experience and:
- Possess significant industrial expertise in Colloid Science as well as compelling evidence of complex technical problem-solving and leadership.
- Exhibit professional mastery of principles and practices in Colloid Science gained through career to date in area of expertise.
- Be able to demonstrate evidence of building cross industry and organisational knowledge sharing and network building.
- Can provide examples of actively building cross-organisation collaboration to achieve desired results.
- Actively demonstrate in-depth technical and theoretical knowledge of Colloid Science and can participate at a high level in more than one area.
- Is viewed as an authority in at least Colloid Science by peers and managers.
- Take responsibility for diverse or complex technical activities where it is necessary to use own initiative and judgement, implementing innovative solutions in complex situations.
- Be flexible and can adapt, simultaneously working on multiple projects and enjoys working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, with effective influencing and communication skills.
- Is a recognised industry expert in Colloid Science, as well as having broader technical knowledge and capability, and ability to apply in a variety of contexts.
It is also desirable that candidates have experience with line management responsibilities, supervising a small team and ensuring delivery of departmental goals.
What does CPI offer you?
At CPI, we offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:
- Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – Plus a holiday purchasing scheme
- Generous pension scheme
- Life assurance and accident insurance schemes
- Flexible working
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Free parking
Find out more about our Additional Information
CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK, sponsorship may be available.
Principal Scientist – Colloid Science employer: CPI
Contact Detail:
CPI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist – Colloid Science
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Colloid Science field. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders. This can help you gain insights into current trends and opportunities at CPI.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with CPI's recent projects and collaborations. Understanding their work in paints & coatings, agritech, and pharmaceuticals will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how your expertise aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to motivate and guide others will resonate well with CPI's emphasis on team management.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest advancements in Colloid Science and related fields. Being able to discuss recent innovations or research can set you apart as a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the subject matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist – Colloid Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Colloid Science and related fields such as paints & coatings, agritech, and pharmaceuticals. Use specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Colloid Science and how your background makes you a perfect fit for CPI. Mention your leadership experience and ability to manage complex projects, as well as your commitment to continuous development.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Provide clear examples of your technical problem-solving skills and any innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. This will demonstrate your mastery of Colloid Science principles and practices.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: CPI values collaboration, so be sure to include instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams or built networks within the industry. This will show your ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CPI
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Scientist in Colloid Science, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of the field. Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those related to paints & coatings, agritech, or pharmaceuticals. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've applied them in complex situations.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
Since this role involves supervising a small team, be ready to share examples of your leadership style. Discuss how you've motivated team members, delegated tasks effectively, and managed project deliverables. This will show that you can handle both technical and managerial responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
CPI values collaboration across various sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams or external partners. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful project outcomes, demonstrating your ability to build networks and influence stakeholders.
✨Align with CPI's Mission
Familiarise yourself with CPI's goals in healthcare and sustainability. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to these areas. Discuss how your background and expertise align with their mission, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also passionate about making a positive impact.
