Scientist - Materials Science (GTIG)

Location: Hamble, United Kingdom

Department: Global Technical Innovation Group (GTIG)

Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 37.5 hours per week.

A brighter future awaits you. CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses; it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

At CooperVision, we’re big on belonging. Everyone’s contribution counts, and that’s why inclusion and diversity are so important. It isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s what makes our company the best it can be. We are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace. Our Employee Resource Groups offer employees to grow within a safe and inclusive space. So be yourself, whoever you are, and let’s achieve amazing things together.

Job summary – What to expect:

Scientist roles are designated as roles for routine and non-routine material investigations. Integral as a function for Raw Material investigations and incoming material processes improvements as directed by the GTIG (Europe) Materials Team Leaders and/or Manager. As a Scientist, you will operate as a member of the GTIG (Europe) Materials team. The role requires you to perform a variety of duties including designing and conducting trials and qualifications, supporting materials characterisation, development, investigations, and process improvement projects within the Business Units and with our suppliers. You will be a globally recognised subject matter expert for a lens production process from a material viewpoint.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Work within multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of projects to support as required by the business.
• Develop and implement process improvements within the Business units, raw materials suppliers and within the materials group.
• Lead investigations into the material and impurity interactions with our processes used to manufacture contact lenses, in response to issues arising and pro-actively to support continuous improvement.
• Present and document technical findings and qualifications to management/colleagues, regulatory files, CAPA’s, NCR’s and Manufacturing changes process.
• Contribute to the development of best practice for materials handling and laboratory practices within CooperVision.
• Comply at all times with Health, Safety and Environmental regulations and CooperVision Quality management system.

Travel Requirements:

The role may involve some travel to other CooperVision sites within the UK (2%). Other domestic travel may be required for training (2%). It might also require travel to CooperVision sites outside of the UK (5%).

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess proven analytical, influencing and problem resolution skills.
• Excellent communication skills including written, oral and presentation skills.
• Good knowledge of chemistry.
• Be competent with some statistical methods (e.g. r&R, DOE, SPC, Six Sigma).
• Computer literate: (Microsoft office).
• Must demonstrate ability to work as an effective team member.
• Highly self-motivated, with the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback aimed at improving and promoting quality, cost, safety and delivery.
• Some Project management experience.
• Awareness of the COSHH and REACH legislation and toxicology of the materials used.
• Good understanding of the toxicology of materials.

Work Environment:

Office based with need to work across all business areas including chemical laboratories, ASEC and raw material warehouse areas. Exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Travels where appropriate to vendor and other CooperVision sites in the UK and in the rest of the world.

Experience:

2-5 years of industrial experience within the chemical area (Medical device / pharmaceutical preferred).

Education:

BSc in Chemistry or related discipline (MSc or PhD Preferred).

What we offer:

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, 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.

What you can expect:

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.

We operate a candidate referral scheme, so if you know anyone who could be a perfect fit for this role, please email their CV to referafriend@coopervision quoting the job reference code to enjoy a £100 voucher reward if they are successful!