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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on research in designing and testing sustainable superabsorbent polymers.
- Company: Innovative materials science venture backed by Oxford University and prestigious investors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, health insurance, flexible hours, and 28 days paid holiday.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering team shaping the future of sustainable materials with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in Polymer Chemistry or related field; strong lab experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and collaboration in a fast-growing market.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford University–based materials science venture founded by Oxbridge graduates. We are pioneering the next generation of bio-based, biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace synthetic SAPs. SAPs are “magic-like” materials that absorb hundreds of times their weight in water. They are used primarily in hygiene (diapers, pads, cosmetics) and agriculture (soil enhancers), representing a $17.6B global market. With new EU regulations banning non-biodegradable SAPs in soils from 2028, there is an urgent demand for sustainable alternatives. We are backed by prestigious investors and are part of the Creative Destruction Lab, the leading accelerator for deep tech ventures. Our work has been recognised globally, including being named a “DeepTech Pioneer” at Hello Tomorrow (2025) and winner of the Cleantech StartUp Award (South East, 2024). Based at Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park with access to cutting-edge labs, our mission is to make sustainable SAPs the global standard.
The Position:
We are seeking a Junior Research Scientist with a strong foundation in polymer or materials chemistry to join our growing R&D team. You will play a key role in the design, synthesis, and characterisation of novel bio-based and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers, working closely with senior scientists and the CTO.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated early-career researcher to apply their academic expertise to industrial-scale challenges and help drive one of the most promising transitions in sustainable materials.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct hands-on experimental work in polymer synthesis, modification, and characterisation.
- Design, plan, and execute lab experiments, taking ownership of research direction and outcomes.
- Analyse and interpret data to optimise SAP performance, absorption capacity, and biodegradability.
- Contribute to intellectual property development, literature reviews, and technical documentation.
- Collaborate with the R&D team to test, validate, and iterate material formulations.
- Support early-stage scale-up and application testing as the technology progresses toward commercialisation.
Qualifications
- PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Biopolymers, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- 0–2 years’ postdoctoral or industrial experience.
- Strong wet lab experience and familiarity with polymer synthesis, hydrogels, or crosslinked materials.
- A creative and rigorous scientific mindset, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary research environment.
Desired Experience (Nice to Have)
- Has worked on sustainable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).
- Experience with biopolymers such as cellulose, starch, alginate, or chitosan.
- Previous hydrogel research or formulation experience.
- Exposure to applications in the hygiene (diapers, menstrual pads) or agriculture industries.
- Experience integrating AI or data-driven tools in materials design or optimisation workflows.
- Familiarity with intellectual property (IP) generation or patent preparation.
- Previous involvement in an entrepreneurial or startup environment.
- Competitive compensation package with equity, so you share directly in the company’s success.
- Significant long-term upside as the company scales in a rapidly growing global market.
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellbeing package.
- 28 days of paid holiday annually.
- Flexible working hours with hybrid (on-site + remote) options.
- The chance to help shape the global future of sustainable SAPs in a company building momentum with leading investors, accelerators, and awards.
- A creative, fast-moving environment where your work will have a direct impact on products, IP, and company growth.
At A&B Smart Materials, we are looking for more than capability — we are looking for curiosity, creativity, and commitment. If you are an ambitious scientist eager to apply your skills to one of the fastest-growing areas of sustainable materials innovation, we want to hear from you.
Application Form: https://forms.gle/4UQXPrV2qHkMqMCb9
Recruitment email: recruitment@absmartmaterials.com
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Junior Research Chemist/Scientist (Sustainable Superabsorbent Polymers) employer: A&B Smart Materials
Contact Detail:
A&B Smart Materials Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Research Chemist/Scientist (Sustainable Superabsorbent Polymers)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the materials science field, especially those who might know someone at A&B Smart Materials. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some practical experience with superabsorbent polymers or related materials. Whether it’s through internships, projects, or even personal experiments, showing that you’ve got real-world skills can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your creativity! When you get that interview, think about how you can demonstrate your innovative ideas for sustainable materials. Bring examples of past projects or concepts that highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to revolutionise sustainable materials.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Research Chemist/Scientist (Sustainable Superabsorbent Polymers)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainable materials shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and how your background in polymer chemistry can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with superabsorbent polymers or biopolymers. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Junior Research Scientist position. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on being part of our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at A&B Smart Materials
✨Know Your Polymers
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymer chemistry, especially bio-based and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers. Be ready to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the role at A&B Smart Materials.
✨Show Your Experimental Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience in the lab. Highlight specific experiments you've conducted, particularly those involving polymer synthesis or hydrogels, and be ready to explain your thought process behind designing those experiments.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Think of examples where you've faced challenges in your research and how you overcame them. A&B Smart Materials values creativity and analytical skills, so showcasing your ability to tackle problems will set you apart.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've worked in interdisciplinary teams before. Share experiences that highlight your communication skills and your ability to contribute positively to a team environment.
