At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and run experiments to extract valuable materials from industrial waste.
- Company: Mission-driven R&D organisation focused on sustainable materials processing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and opportunity for technical ownership.
- Other info: Join a small, innovative team with high visibility and growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while solving complex chemistry challenges.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields with strong hands-on chemistry experience.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
Cranleigh STEM are partnering exclusively with a mission‑driven R&D organisation developing next‑generation technologies for recovering high‑value materials from complex industrial waste. Their work supports the shift toward circular resource use and sustainable materials processing.
This is a rare opportunity to join a small, highly technical research team in a hands‑on experimental role, helping to shape a new extraction platform at the intersection of inorganic chemistry, sustainability and process innovation.
Location: London (Zone 1–2)
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 | Full-time, Permanent
The Role
- You will design and run laboratory experiments focused on the extraction, separation and purification of metals from heterogeneous feedstocks.
- Developing and executing solution‑based extraction and separation experiments
- Investigating leaching behaviour, speciation and process variables
- Characterising materials using ICP‑OES, XRD, SEM‑EDX, XRF and related tools
- Optimising conditions for improved yield, selectivity and purity
- Producing clear technical documentation and sharing results across the team
- Supporting SOP development, lab workflows and safety standards
- Informally guiding 1–2 junior researchers
About You
Essential:
- MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or related discipline
- Strong hands‑on wet‑chemistry or hydrometallurgical experience
- Experience with metals, inorganic systems or complex waste feedstocks
- Proficiency with ICP, XRD, XRF, SEM‑EDX
- Strong experimental design, troubleshooting and data interpretation skills
- Excellent safety awareness and documentation practice
Desirable:
- Experience with mixed‑metal systems, E‑waste, battery materials or mineral processing
- Knowledge of ionic liquids, solvent extraction or alternative leaching approaches
- Exposure to early‑stage or evolving R&D environments
Why Apply?
- Work on a novel extraction platform in an emerging clean‑materials landscape
- Solve complex chemistry challenges with real sustainability impact
- Stay fully hands‑on while operating at a senior level
- High visibility and technical ownership in a growing, innovation‑driven team
To learn more, apply within or reach out directly with your CV.
Senior R&D Scientist in City of Westminster employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Join a pioneering R&D organisation in London that is at the forefront of sustainable materials processing, where you will have the opportunity to work on innovative extraction technologies that contribute to a circular economy. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, this role offers a supportive work culture that values hands-on experimentation and technical ownership, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while guiding junior researchers in a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Scientist in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the R&D field, especially those working with sustainable materials. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn about hidden job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your hands-on experiments and results. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your practical experience in inorganic chemistry and process innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on discussing your experimental design and troubleshooting skills, as these are crucial for the Senior R&D Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining a mission-driven team focused on sustainability and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Scientist in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in chemistry and R&D. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on lab work and any specific projects you've tackled.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable materials processing and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be sure to mention your proficiency with tools like ICP, XRD, and SEM-EDX. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your technical expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our mission-driven team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your inorganic chemistry and hydrometallurgical principles. Be ready to discuss specific experiments you've conducted, especially those involving metals and complex waste feedstocks. This will show your depth of knowledge and hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Experimental Design Skills
Prepare to talk about your approach to designing experiments. Think of examples where you optimised conditions for yield, selectivity, or purity. Highlight any troubleshooting you've done and how you interpreted data to improve results.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Since the role involves using tools like ICP-OES, XRD, and SEM-EDX, be ready to discuss your proficiency with these instruments. If you have experience with any alternative leaching approaches or ionic liquids, make sure to mention that too!
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration and Leadership
As you'll be guiding junior researchers, think about times you've collaborated effectively in a team. Share examples of how you've supported SOP development or lab workflows, and demonstrate your commitment to safety standards in the lab.
