Senior Scientist - Material Chemistry in Eastleigh

The primary focus of this role is to initiate, design and execute hypothesis-driven research and development activities relating to novel materials, chemistries, and processes for contact lens applications. The role is responsible for reducing technical uncertainty, generating scientific understanding, and informing future product and technology direction, while also contributing to the development and optimisation of emerging concepts and existing products. You’ll define research questions, design experimental approaches, and generate high-quality data, ensuring results are rigorously analysed, interpreted, and clearly communicated. Outputs from this work will guide future research direction and support project decision-making.

The role will also involve supporting the Chemistry team with operational activities such as equipment qualification and the safe handling of hazardous materials, in line with regulatory requirements and current policies and procedures.

• Works effectively in a team environment, contributing scientific expertise and collaborating across cross‑functional groups.
• Contributes to the generation, evaluation, and prioritisation of new scientific ideas and research directions aligned with business and technology strategy.
• Designs and executes hypothesis‑driven experimental plans, applying scientific principles to investigate and solve technical challenges.
• Works with minimal guidance to lead or contribute to projects spanning early‑stage research through to development, managing milestones, timelines, and deliverables.
• Applies critical thinking and sound scientific judgement to interpret results, challenge assumptions, and define next steps.
• Analyzes data using appropriate statistical and scientific techniques; prepares technical reports and presentations to communicate findings clearly.
• Effectively communicates progress, insights, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Builds scientific knowledge and contributes to innovation outputs, including patents, publications, and product development.
• Identifies technical challenges and leads problem‑solving activities using an innovative and structured approach.
• Contributes to continuous improvement in experimental methods, tools, and ways of working.
• Provides scientific guidance, mentoring and coaching to junior scientists, supporting the development of experimental design, data interpretation, and critical thinking skills.
• Ensures Health & Safety requirements are always met and never compromised.
• May be responsible for handling, labelling, and overseeing hazardous materials and waste in line with regulatory requirements and site procedures.
• Supports training and knowledge transfer within the team.
• Builds and leverages external scientific collaborations to enhance research capability and accelerate progress.

• Bachelor of Science degree with minimum 5 years’ experience in Chemistry, Material Sciences, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences or related field.
• Master of Science degree with minimum 4 years’ experience in Chemistry, Material Sciences, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences or related field.
• Ph.D. with minimum 2 years’ experience in Chemistry, Material Sciences, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences or related field.
• Strong grounding in scientific principles, experimental design, and hypothesis testing.
• Demonstrated experience in research methodologies, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Highly knowledgeable in materials science (preferably polymeric materials), with interest in emerging technologies and approaches.
• Experience in areas such as hydrogels, soft biomaterials, and surface/interface engineering.
• Ability to translate scientific theory and early‑stage research into practical experimentation and product concepts, applying first‑principles thinking.
• Experience working on open‑ended or exploratory research problems, with comfort in ambiguous or evolving areas.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply highly technical scientific literature.
• Technical report writing and scientific communication skills.
• Data analysis and presentation, including use of statistical techniques.
• Strong problem‑solving capability with an innovative and inquisitive mindset.
• Effective teamwork and leadership skills.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Self‑directed and capable of working independently.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including bonus, health cash plan, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more! We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours. We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering a diverse and inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success. With our CooperPride, African Descent, Woman’s Impact Network and Mind Body and Wellbeing Employee Resource Groups, we offer opportunities for employees to learn and grow within an inclusive and safe space.

If you like what you see, take the first step towards your Brighter Future and apply today! All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.