Technology Specialist (Colloid Science) in Daresbury

Croda is a FTSE100 organisation driven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives™. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors. We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilise new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace.

As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for a Technology Specialist to join our team at Daresbury to deliver high‑performing ingredients and formulations across our consumer care projects through an understanding of interfacial and phase behaviour of colloidal systems.

Who We’re Looking For:

• MSc or PhD in Colloid Science, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Soft Matter Physics, or related field.
• Extensive experience and strong understanding of colloidal systems, interfacial chemistry, surfactants, polymers, and soft matter.
• Hands‑on experience with colloid characterisation instruments and analytical methods.
• Strong appreciation of lab health and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments and interpret complex physico‑chemical data.
• Experience in industries such as FMCG, personal care, food, home care, pharmaceuticals, or materials.
• Knowledge of microstructure–performance relationships in complex formulations.
• Familiarity with rheology, particle science and sensory characterisation is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication, problem solving and storytelling skills, especially for cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong data analytical skills and knowledge of statistics.
• Modelling capabilities (MATLAB, Python, or similar is desirable but not essential).
• Experience of using automation is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.
• Design & conduct experiments to study colloidal stability, interfacial properties and microstructure and analyse how formulations ingredients (surfactants, polymers etc) influence colloidal behaviour to support our new and existing product ranges utilising various test methods and conditions to meet our customer expectations.
• Act as a technical lead on projects, collaborate between cross‑functional teams (including synthesis, formulation, marketing and applications teams) to communicate complex colloidal science concepts to both technical & non‑technical stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and reports to ensure formulations and methods comply with internal quality & standards.
• Contribute to claim support and patent submission to support new product development.
• Lead in the use and development of advanced characterisation techniques to test and quantify behaviour of new and existing ingredients.
• Integrate these techniques in‑house and train team members on implementation to current and future projects.

What We Offer:

• Join a global organisation with countless opportunities for growth and leadership.
• The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:

• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 25 days paid holiday allowance (plus bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Access to share plans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car leasing scheme
• Generous parental leave
• Free car parking on Croda sites

Additional Information:

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email candidate@croda.com. Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.