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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to develop sustainable packaging solutions from natural materials.
- Company: Join Notpla, a pioneer in eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, share options, and a zero-carbon pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the planet by replacing plastic with natural materials.
- Qualifications: Background in Materials Science or Polymer Chemistry with hands-on experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Material Scientist role at Notpla. At Notpla, we’re at the forefront of sustainable innovation, creating natural alternatives to single‑use plastic packaging that are carefully engineered to help build a healthier planet. Founded on the belief that nature knows best, we’re an innovative, action‑oriented scale‑up developing and manufacturing uncompromisingly natural packaging solutions from seaweed and plants.
As a Senior Material Scientist, you’ll spearhead scientific and technological breakthroughs, playing a pivotal role in developing natural polymer technologies to replace plastic. This role will suit someone with a background in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering, with hands‑on experience working with natural materials such as biopolyesters, rubbers, resins, seaweed, and/or processes such as PET recycling or polymer extrusion.
Beyond offering meaningful roles and a vibrant working environment, Notpla provides competitive compensation, including EMI Share Options, a zero‑carbon pension scheme, discounts with local businesses, and subsidised social activities. Our office‑first hybrid working policy lets you work in the way that maximises your productivity while maintaining a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities:- Play a central scientific role in Notpla’s large funded consortium project, executing and coordinating polymer chemistry activities across the consortium.
- Pioneer new approaches to polymer synthesis from abundant natural materials.
- Conduct feasibility studies and fast‑paced discovery projects to address material science and packaging challenges.
- Collaborate closely with cross‑disciplinary teams — including designers, engineers, seaweed specialists, and business development managers — to solve complex problems.
- Identify, source, and test natural materials; develop formulations that meet performance, sustainability, and cost targets.
- Design and execute experiments, analyse data, and present findings to drive decision‑making and project progress.
- Stay up to date with the latest scientific and industry advancements, integrating new knowledge into projects.
- Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patents and trade secrets.
- Provide technical input for grant and client proposals to secure funding.
- Lead in‑depth development projects to advance the understanding of seaweed and biomaterials for packaging applications.
- Characterise polymer structures, reactions, and material behaviour, and conduct performance, shelf‑life, and compatibility studies.
- Represent Notpla to external partners, academic institutions, and commercial labs; coordinate third‑party testing as needed.
- Develop technical strategies and approaches to solve key challenges.
- Mentor colleagues (scientists, designers, engineers) to help develop their technical skills and support their project work.
Senior Material Scientist employer: Notpla
Contact Detail:
Notpla Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Material Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the materials science and polymer chemistry fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there and show your passion for sustainable innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of natural materials and polymer synthesis. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how it relates to Notpla's mission. We want to see your enthusiasm for tackling packaging challenges!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Create a portfolio that highlights your work with biopolyesters, seaweed, or any relevant research. This will give us a tangible sense of your skills and creativity when it comes to developing innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Material Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Material Scientist role. Highlight your experience with natural materials and polymer chemistry, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on projects you've worked on that relate to sustainable packaging.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable innovation and how your background aligns with Notpla's mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: At Notpla, collaboration is key! In your application, emphasise your experience working in cross-disciplinary teams. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others to solve complex problems in material science.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Notpla
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of natural materials, especially biopolyesters and seaweed. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these materials and how they can be applied in innovative ways to replace plastics.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you tackled complex material science challenges. Highlight your ability to collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and how you approached problem-solving in those situations.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in polymer chemistry and sustainable packaging. Being able to discuss recent developments will show your passion for the field and your commitment to integrating new knowledge into your work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to polymer synthesis and material behaviour. Review key concepts and be ready to explain your thought process when designing experiments or analysing data.