At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to innovate in Digital R&D, combining science and technology to solve real-world challenges.
- Company: Metalchemy, a pioneering deep-tech company focused on sustainable materials and advanced technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and potential for a permanent role.
- Other info: Gain visibility and ownership in a strategic project that shapes the future of R&D.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on R&D while working with cutting-edge tools and industry experts.
- Qualifications: MEng, MSc, PhD candidates or recent graduates in relevant fields with strong programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 98000 £ per year.
Location: Lambeth, South West London (laboratory-based / in-person)
Duration: Full-time fixed-term internship (13 July - 13 November 2026)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm (42.5 hours/week)
Compensation: £2,000-£3,000 gross per month, depending on experience and technical capability
Eligibility: Exceptional MEng, MSc, PhD candidates and recent PhD graduates
Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position
About Metalchemy: Metalchemy is an award-winning UK deep-tech company developing and commercialising patented sustainable coatings, antimicrobial technologies and advanced materials for food packaging and other high-impact applications. Our antimicrobial and functional materials help extend the shelf life of perishable food, reducing food waste and packaging material use across supply chains. We work at the intersection of research, manufacturing, commercialisation and innovation, collaborating with customers, manufacturers, universities and industry partners to bring impactful technologies to market.
We are building a next-generation Digital R&D Platform that combines Design of Experiments (DoE), laboratory automation, high-throughput experimentation (HTE) and AI-enabled workflows to accelerate innovation and improve how research translates into commercial impact.
The Role: We are looking for an ambitious, highly computational scientist or engineer to help accelerate the next generation of R&D at Metalchemy. Working directly with company leadership and scientists, you will help design and implement systems that improve how experiments are planned, executed, analysed and translated into decisions. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining science, software, automation and data to solve real-world R&D challenges. You will work closely with the Head of R&D, with regular check-ins to review progress and unblock technical challenges. You will help build the foundations of Metalchemy's Digital R&D Platform, creating practical tools, workflows and capabilities that increase scientific productivity, improve knowledge retention and accelerate product development across coatings, advanced materials and microbiology programmes. This is a highly visible and strategic project with significant ownership and direct impact on how innovation is conducted across the company. Successful completion of key project objectives may lead to a permanent Digital R&D Scientist, Research Automation Scientist or related role within Metalchemy.
Key Project Objectives:
- Increase R&D & QC Productivity: Develop tools, workflows and automation systems that reduce repetitive manual work, improve knowledge retention and enable scientists to spend more time generating insights, solving technical challenges and advancing product development. Support automation and digitalisation of selected QC workflows, including analytical data processing, reporting and traceability.
- Establish High-Throughput, Data-Driven R&D: Implement Design of Experiments (DoE), OriginPro workflows, Opentrons-enabled laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation approaches that accelerate development cycles, improve experimental efficiency and maximise learning from every experiment.
- Build Foundations for AI-Enabled R&D: Develop the data infrastructure, workflow integrations and decision-support tools required to support predictive modelling, machine learning and future AI-assisted research, while improving the accessibility, quality and usability of scientific data across Metalchemy.
- Drive Adoption and Build Digital R&D Capability: Ensure new tools, workflows and automation systems are successfully implemented, documented and adopted across the organisation, creating lasting capability beyond the duration of the internship.
Primary Focus: Objectives 1 and 2
Secondary Focus: Objectives 3 and 4, progressed as time and project momentum allow
Responsibilities:
- Evaluate existing R&D workflows and data flows to identify bottlenecks limiting productivity and development speed
- Support implementation of Design of Experiments (DoE) and high-throughput experimentation approaches
- Develop, validate and deploy Opentrons workflows to support high-throughput experimentation and laboratory automation initiatives
- Build automation, optimisation and data‑analysis tools that scientists can use directly
- Improve the accessibility, traceability and usability of scientific data
- Develop automated reporting, quality‑control and knowledge‑management workflows
- Assess opportunities for machine learning, AI and advanced optimisation methods
- Develop SOPs, user guides and training materials for all implemented workflows and tools
- Support implementation and adoption of new systems across the R&D team
- Deliver training sessions and collect user feedback to improve usability and uptake
- Work closely with scientists, leadership and external collaborators to ensure solutions are practical and widely adopted
Requirements:
- MEng, MSc, PhD or recent PhD graduate in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Scientific Computing, Data Science, Robotics or a related discipline
- Strong Python programming and scientific computing skills
- Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Understanding of experimental design, statistics and optimisation
- Experience working with scientific datasets and data analysis workflows
- Ability to translate scientific requirements into practical software and data-driven solutions
- Excellent communication, presentation and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-moving environment
- Experience or familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE), high-throughput experimentation (HTE), laboratory automation, scientific software development, data visualisation, machine learning, APIs, databases, workflow automation, OriginPro or related optimisation tools.
- Experience in coatings, formulations, materials science, nanomaterials, microbiology, antimicrobial technologies, food packaging or advanced materials would be advantageous.
What Success Looks Like:
By the end of the internship, you will have:
- Delivered measurable improvements in at least one critical R&D workflow
- Reduced friction between experimentation, analysis and decision-making
- Implemented tools or workflows that scientists actively use
- Developed SOPs, training materials and implementation plans for all major deliverables
- Successfully transferred knowledge and trained team members to use new workflows independently
- Demonstrated opportunities for automation and high-throughput experimentation
- Improved the accessibility, usability and traceability of scientific data
- Produced a roadmap for future Digital R&D and AI implementation at Metalchemy
- Achieved adoption of at least one new workflow or tool within routine day-to-day activities
Strong candidates may also have the opportunity to contribute to investor materials, grant applications, technical publications or intellectual property development where aligned with business priorities. The strongest outcome will be solutions that continue to be used after the project has finished and demonstrably improve the effectiveness, efficiency and scalability of Metalchemy's R&D activities.
Why Join Metalchemy?
- Work directly with founders, scientists and industry partners
- Help shape the future of Digital R&D within a growing deep-tech company
- Gain hands‑on experience with DoE, laboratory automation, HTE, AI and advanced materials development
- Take ownership of a strategic company‑wide initiative
- Significant responsibility and visibility from day one
- Contribute to long-term capabilities that will shape how R&D is conducted across Metalchemy
- Potential pathway to a permanent role based on performance and project delivery
Digital R&D Scientist Internship in London employer: Metalchemy Limited
Metalchemy is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for aspiring scientists to work at the forefront of digital R&D in a collaborative and innovative environment. Located in Lambeth, South West London, our internship provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies while allowing interns to contribute significantly to impactful projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, mentorship from industry leaders, and the potential for permanent roles, Metalchemy fosters a culture of creativity and scientific excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital R&D Scientist Internship in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including Metalchemy Limited, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like Metalchemy Limited.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at Metalchemy Limited, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Digital R&D Scientist Internship in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with Metalchemy Limited specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metalchemy Limited
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show Metalchemy Limited that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show Metalchemy Limited that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
