Scientific Officer - Regulatory & Testing in Attleborough, Norfolk

Our client is an innovative and technically driven organisation operating at the forefront of bio-polymeric and sustainable materials development. With a strong focus on advanced polymer science, regulatory compliance, and quality excellence, they support a growing customer base across food-contact and performance-critical applications. As part of continued growth, they are seeking a Scientific Officer to support research, quality, and regulatory activities. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative, science-led environment where technical expertise, curiosity, and continuous improvement are actively encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and project-based materials testing, including Melt Flow Index (MFI), disintegration and degradation testing, and food-contact compliance testing.
• Analyse, interpret, and report test data clearly through technical and scientific documentation.
• Carry out and interpret physical and mechanical testing such as tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, density, and thermal performance testing (e.g. HDT, Vicat).
• Assess dimensional and thermal stability of materials.
• Evaluate structure-property relationships and link material performance to formulation and processing conditions.
• Support benchmarking, qualification, troubleshooting, and failure analysis activities.
• Manage and maintain ISO registration (e.g. ISO 9001 and other relevant standards).
• Ensure laboratory and operational activities are compliant with ISO and internal quality requirements.
• Prepare for and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Maintain SOPs, quality documentation, CAPA records, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support risk assessments and quality system development.
• Provide technical support to polymer compounding and processing activities, including formulation development and optimisation.
• Offer input on material performance, processing behaviour, and scale-up considerations.
• Work closely with R&D, production, and quality teams to support development and commercialisation activities.
• Support regulatory compliance for bio-polymeric materials, particularly food-contact legislation and biodegradation/disintegration standards.
• Assist with preparation of technical dossiers, regulatory submissions, and customer-facing documentation.
• Support the use of AI and data-driven tools in polymer development and materials optimisation.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to digital data management and traceability systems.

Candidate Profile

• Strong technical background in polymer science and polymeric material behaviour.
• Hands-on experience with physical, mechanical, and thermal testing of polymers.
• Familiarity with MFI, degradation, disintegration, and food-contact testing methods.
• Experience managing or supporting ISO quality management systems and audits.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to bio-polymeric and food-contact materials.
• Knowledge of polymer compounding and processing is advantageous.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and highly organised with strong documentation skills.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across scientific, quality, and operational teams.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation working at the forefront of bio-polymeric materials and sustainable technologies. The role offers exposure to advanced materials development, quality and regulatory frameworks, and the chance to make a meaningful technical contribution within a collaborative, science-led team.