At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise materials for cutting-edge holographic data storage.
- Company: Join HoloMem, a pioneering company revolutionising sustainable data storage technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days holiday, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all requirements.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact on the future of data storage.
- Qualifications: BSc in chemistry with experience in polymer synthesis and materials development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Onsite 5 days a week - Chiswick, London.
Design the Future of Sustainable Storage
At HoloMem, we’re building the next generation of long-term data storage — radically efficient, ultra-durable, and environmentally sustainable. Our pioneering holographic storage technology encodes data as light within advanced materials, creating a resilient alternative to today’s short-lived, energy-intensive cloud infrastructure. Having partaken in both the Intel Ignite and Deeptech Labs accelerators in 2024, awarded two Innovate UK Smart Grants, we’ve recently closed our Seed+ raise and are accelerating development. HoloMem is now looking to expedite the development of its pioneering technology by growing its team of problem solvers to support our exciting next chapter.
Job Summary
As Material Chemist, you will be responsible for designing, synthesising, and optimising photopolymer materials for holographic data storage applications. Your expertise in polymer chemistry, photochemistry, and monomer/polymer synthesis will support development of high-performance recording media with excellent optical properties, stability, and durability.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate and evaluate novel photopolymer formulations for enhanced recording sensitivity and efficiency.
- Synthesise, purify and characterise in-house monomers, oligomers, and polymers.
- Prepare and test thin-film coatings for optical performance and stability.
- Collaborate with optical engineers to evaluate holographic recording performance.
- Analyse polymer properties using techniques such as FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, and rheology.
- Document experimental procedures, analyse data, and present findings to a multidisciplinary R&D team.
Qualification
Education: BSc with hands-on experience in wet chemistry lab. Previous experience in polymer synthesis, coatings, and materials development is desirable.
Technical Skills
- Strong background in free-radical and photoinitiated polymerization.
- Hands-on experience in monomer/polymer synthesis and purification techniques.
- Familiarity with mechanical, spectroscopic (UV-Vis, FTIR) and thermal (DSC, TGA) characterisation methods.
- Experience with holographic materials or optical data storage is a plus.
Bonus Skills
- Ambitious learner who is comfortable owning responsibility.
- Innovative and methodical problem-solving skills with an eye for detail.
- Strong analytical and organisational abilities.
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Competitive compensation
25 days holiday Cycle to work scheme
How to Apply
Send us your CV and a portfolio (PDF format). Show us what you’ve designed, built, or tested. If you’re excited about the mission — even if you don’t meet every requirement — we’d love to hear from you. HoloMem is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all.
Materials Chemist in London employer: HoloMem Ltd
At HoloMem, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable data storage. Located in Chiswick, London, our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and problem-solving, offering employees ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With competitive compensation, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, HoloMem is an excellent place for passionate individuals to contribute to groundbreaking technology while enjoying a supportive and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Chemist in London
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like HoloMem Ltd. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like HoloMem Ltd to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to HoloMem Ltd, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like HoloMem Ltd and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Chemist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at HoloMem Ltd. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at HoloMem Ltd
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to HoloMem Ltd and the Materials Chemist role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
