At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative R&D projects in natural products and sustainable cosmetics.
- Company: Join Keracol, a pioneering spin-out from The University of Leeds focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, shares scheme, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Work in a state-of-the-art facility with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the beauty industry with natural and renewable ingredients.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry and experience in industrial R&D required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Keracol is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, natural product chemist to join us as Head of Natural Product Development. The Head of Natural Product Development will lead technical development activities across natural product innovation, analytical method development, and product scale-up. The role combines hands-on scientific leadership with client-facing project management and strategic input into business growth activities, including grant applications and external partnerships. This is a senior technical position with substantial autonomy, responsible for driving R&D programmes from concept through to scalable manufacturing outcomes. This is a permanent position with 3-months’ probation.
Our company, Keracol, is a spin-out company from The University of Leeds. Our core value is sustainability with performance. We combine high-end physical science with innovative applications to produce natural and sustainable hair dyes, colour cosmetics, hair care, skin care and sun care products. Our expertise spans organic chemistry, colour chemistry, polymer chemistry, extraction technology, effect assessment, coloration technology, and natural products chemistry. Keracol develops novel approaches to the extraction of active molecules from plant sources, and fractionating and purifying them for multiple applications, both existing and novel. We use renewable materials and waste materials as sources of extracts, and are able to produce extracts from raw materials that do not compete with land for food crops. Our extracts are formulated in consumer beauty products providing solutions to unmet needs, as there is a huge consumer demand for products containing natural and renewable ingredients.
Keracol is a growing business and as we expand, we will reward the loyalty of employees with excellent opportunities within the company. The position is offered with an attractive salary, a company shares scheme, and a comfortable work environment. Keracol’s laboratory and office are located in Nexus, a £40m state-of-the-art building located on The University of Leeds campus. Salary will be £45,000-50,000+ dependent on qualifications and experience. The role is only open to those with the right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship. Informal enquiries may be made to: Professor Richard Blackburn, CTO. Closing date 19th June 2026, but early applications are welcomed.
Job Specification — Head of Natural Product Development
Responsible to: Prof. Richard Blackburn, CTO, Keracol Ltd.
Key Responsibilities
- Research & Development
- Lead internal and client-funded R&D projects relating to natural products and sustainable cosmetics, hair care, and coloration technologies.
- Design, execute, and oversee experimental programmes across product and process development.
- Develop and optimise analytical methodologies to support characterisation, validation, and quality assessment.
- Interpret scientific data and translate findings into commercially relevant recommendations.
- Maintain awareness of developments in sustainable materials, cosmetic science, and natural product innovation.
- Product Development & Scale-Up
- Lead product scale-up activities from laboratory to pilot or manufacturing scale.
- Work closely with manufacturers and external production partners to troubleshoot technical challenges.
- Support formulation development in collaboration with the formulator within the team.
- Assess raw materials, sourcing options, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Laboratory & Technical Leadership
- Manage day-to-day operation of the laboratory environment.
- Provide technical leadership to a small R&D team.
- Establish and maintain experimental standards, documentation practices, and scientific rigour.
- Oversee maintenance and effective use of analytical instrumentation and laboratory systems.
- Client & Partner Engagement
- Act as a technical lead during discussions with clients, collaborators, suppliers, and commercial partners.
- Translate technical concepts into clear commercial and operational language for external stakeholders.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project updates for internal and external audiences.
- Support project planning, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Funding & Strategic Support
- Contribute to grant applications, technical proposals, and fundraising activities.
- Provide scientific input into strategic business development opportunities.
- Support partnership development with academic, industrial, and commercial stakeholders.
Required Skills & Experience
- PhD in Chemistry or closely related discipline.
- Significant experience in industrial R&D, preferably within cosmetics, natural products, sustainable materials, hair dyes, colorants or adjacent sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in analytical method development and laboratory-based research.
- Experience supporting product scale-up and manufacturing transfer activities.
- Strong technical writing and reporting capability.
- Experience engaging directly with clients or external technical stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using Chromeleon software.
- Familiarity with analytical instrumentation and laboratory data systems.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in sustainable cosmetic technologies or bio-based materials.
- Experience in dyeing and coloration technologies.
- Knowledge of regulatory considerations relevant to cosmetics or natural products.
- Experience with grant-funded research projects.
- Commercial awareness within innovation-driven environments.
- Experience working in small, fast-moving technical teams.
Working Arrangements
- No routine travel required.
- Laboratory and office-based role with external stakeholder interaction as required.
Success Measures
- Delivery of R&D milestones on time and within scope.
- Successful scale-up and technical transfer outcomes.
- Quality and robustness of scientific outputs and reporting.
- Effective client and partner engagement.
- Contribution to funding success and strategic technical initiatives.
Head of Natural Product Development in Colchester employer: Keracol
Keracol is an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and innovation in the beauty industry, offering a dynamic work environment within the state-of-the-art Nexus facility on The University of Leeds campus. Employees benefit from a culture of collaboration and autonomy, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and a company shares scheme. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to creating natural and sustainable products that meet the evolving needs of consumers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Natural Product Development in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values, especially around sustainability, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your background and how it relates to the role of Head of Natural Product Development. Highlight your R&D experience and any successful projects you've led. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Natural Product Development in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Natural Product Development role. Highlight your experience in R&D, especially in natural products and sustainable materials. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Keracol!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about natural product innovation and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with strong technical writing and analytical skills. Be sure to include specific examples of your experience with analytical methodologies and product scale-up. This will help us see your expertise in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keracol
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your knowledge of natural product chemistry and sustainable materials. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving analytical method development or product scale-up. This will show your technical expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Natural Product Development, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led R&D teams or managed projects in the past. Highlight your experience in guiding teams through challenges and achieving successful outcomes.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Keracol values sustainability and innovation, so make sure you understand their mission and products. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their growth in the natural cosmetics sector.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction
Since the role involves client-facing responsibilities, think about how you would communicate complex scientific concepts to non-experts. Practice explaining your previous work in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you would engage with clients and partners effectively.
