At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D projects on sustainable coatings and packaging technologies.
- Company: Join Metalchemy, an award-winning deep-tech company making a real environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and gain exposure to the full innovation lifecycle.
- Why this job: Make a difference in sustainability while developing innovative materials for food packaging.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields with strong research experience and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Lambeth, South West London (laboratory-based/in-person role)
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm (42.5 hours per week)
Salary: £33,000–£36,000 gross per year depending on experience, with strong progression opportunities based on performance and contribution.
About Metalchemy
Metalchemy is an award-winning UK deep-tech company developing and commercialising patented sustainable coating and advanced materials technologies for food packaging and other high-impact applications. Our mission is to create measurable environmental impact through the successful commercialisation of science. We develop antimicrobial and functional materials that help reduce food waste, improve product performance, and enable more sustainable packaging and supply chains.
The Role
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded PhD-level scientist with expertise in coatings, polymers, formulations, biomaterials, packaging materials, or related technologies to help develop the next generation of sustainable coating systems and functional materials. The primary focus of the role will be the development of technologies for food packaging and food-contact applications, with opportunities to contribute to healthcare and other industrial sectors as Metalchemy's technology platform expands.
You will work across a broad range of materials and substrates including paper, fibre-based packaging, cellulose materials, biopolymers, compostable materials, synthetic polymers, composites, and coated materials. Working closely with senior scientists, customers, manufacturers, academic collaborators, and industry partners, you will play a key role in delivering customer projects, grant-funded innovation programmes, publications, patents, and commercially deployable technologies.
This is a high-impact role offering significant responsibility, rapid professional development, and clear progression opportunities. Within your first year, you will be expected to contribute independently to research programmes, support multiple concurrent client and innovation projects, and become a trusted technical contributor across scientific, customer-facing, and collaborative activities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver R&D programmes focused on sustainable coatings, food & packaging technologies, antimicrobial materials, and advanced material systems, generating high-quality scientific outputs that support customer projects, grant-funded innovation programmes, publications, intellectual property, and commercial deployment.
- Develop, optimise, and validate coatings, bio-coatings, formulations, composites, colloidal systems, and functional materials across a range of substrates including paper, fibre-based packaging, biopolymers, compostable materials, and synthetic polymers, ensuring scientific rigour and technical excellence throughout the development process.
- Manage and contribute to multiple concurrent customer, grant-funded, and internal innovation projects, delivering technical milestones, project objectives, reports, and experimental outputs to a high standard and within agreed timelines.
- Support customer projects through technical leadership, product validation, application development, trial design, data interpretation, and the preparation of technical deliverables that enable successful project outcomes and long-term customer relationships.
- Contribute to the preparation, delivery, and reporting of grant-funded programmes, collaborative R&D projects, and innovation funding applications, helping secure and successfully execute externally funded innovation activities.
- Prepare and deliver technical reports, customer presentations, scientific publications, conference papers, white papers, case studies, and dissemination materials, effectively communicating technical outcomes to scientific, industrial, and commercial audiences.
- Build strong relationships with customers, academic collaborators, manufacturers, research organisations, and industry partners while contributing to technology commercialisation, strategic partnerships, intellectual property generation, and the continued growth of Metalchemy.
Requirements
- PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Food Packaging, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomaterials, Coatings Science, or a related discipline
- Strong experimental research experience gained through doctoral studies
- Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Coatings and formulations
- Polymer science and engineering
- Packaging materials
- Functional surfaces
- Biomaterials
- Active or antimicrobial packaging
- Colloidal systems and dispersions
- Excellent scientific writing, reporting, and presentation skills
- Strong data analysis and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Interest in translating scientific innovation into commercially successful products
Highly Desirable
- Research focused on active packaging, food-contact materials, barrier coatings, antimicrobial technologies, bio-coatings, cellulose-based materials, or sustainable packaging
- Experience developing coatings, formulations, composites, functional materials, or advanced material systems
- Experience with silver-based materials, antimicrobial additives, nanomaterials, colloids, dispersions, or surface-engineered materials
- Experience working with paper-based packaging, fibre-based materials, biopolymers, compostable materials, synthetic polymers, or composite substrates
- Knowledge of food-contact regulations, packaging compliance, and food safety requirements
- Experience with industrial collaborations, grant-funded research, publications, patents, or technology commercialisation
- Experience using Design of Experiments (DoE), statistical analysis, machine learning tools, or AI-enabled R&D workflows
What Success Looks Like
Within your 6 months, you will:
- Contribute to the successful delivery of 3–5 concurrent innovation projects across coatings, packaging, and advanced materials
- Develop increasing ownership of specific research programmes, technology platforms, or customer projects
- Deliver high-quality technical reports, presentations, publications, and experimental outputs that support decision-making and product development
- Generate robust scientific data that contributes to customer validation, commercial deployment, intellectual property generation, and business growth
- Contribute to grant applications, funded innovation programmes, patents, scientific publications, and customer-facing case studies
- Present technical findings confidently to customers, industry partners, funding bodies, collaborators, and internal stakeholders
- Build strong relationships with customers, academic collaborators, manufacturers, and industry partners
- Become a trusted technical contributor across both scientific and commercial activities
- Demonstrate the ability to translate research into practical, commercially relevant solutions that create measurable impact
Why Join Metalchemy?
- Join an award-winning deep-tech company developing patented technologies with measurable environmental and commercial impact
- Work directly with founders, senior scientists, customers, manufacturers, universities, and strategic partners
- Gain exposure to the full innovation lifecycle, from laboratory research and product development through to customer deployment and commercial scale-up
- Contribute to patents, publications, grant-funded programmes, customer projects, and new product launches
- Work across diverse technologies, materials, and applications including food packaging, coatings, biomaterials, healthcare, and sustainability-focused innovation
- Develop expertise in modern R&D approaches including Design of Experiments (DoE), AI-enabled workflows, data-driven experimentation, and technology commercialisation
- Take on significant responsibility and ownership from an early stage in your career
- Benefit from strong opportunities for progression into senior technical, innovation, and project leadership roles based on performance and contribution
- Be part of a high-growth, commercially driven company where scientific innovation is translated into real-world products and measurable environmental impact
- 30 days annual leave including bank holidays
R&D Scientist - (Food Packaging, Coatings & Advanced Materials) employer: Metalchemy Limited
Metalchemy is an exceptional employer for R&D Scientists, offering a dynamic work environment in Lambeth, South West London, where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of impactful projects and contribute to groundbreaking technologies that reduce food waste and enhance packaging solutions. The company fosters a collaborative culture, providing access to cutting-edge resources and methodologies, ensuring that your contributions lead to meaningful advancements in both science and society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Scientist - (Food Packaging, Coatings & Advanced Materials)
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Metalchemy Limited.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Metalchemy Limited!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Metalchemy Limited, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Metalchemy Limited, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Scientist - (Food Packaging, Coatings & Advanced Materials)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Metalchemy Limited, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Metalchemy Limited.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Metalchemy Limited. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Metalchemy Limited. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metalchemy Limited
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Metalchemy Limited’s mission.
