Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop sustainable polymer formulations for medical and cosmetic applications.
- Company: Join Phast, a pioneering UK-based advanced materials company focused on eco-friendly solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, pension scheme, and relocation assistance.
- Other info: Exciting startup environment with opportunities for ownership and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while working with cutting-edge polymer technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in Polymer Chemistry or related field, with hands-on experience in polymer formulation.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Phast
Phast is a UK-based advanced materials company developing the next-generation of sustainable polymers for high-performance applications. Our focus is on creating biobased, microplastic-free materials that can meet stringent mechanical, optical, and biological requirements across regulated industries such as medical and cosmetic. We are building a new class of materials from the ground up, combining biopolymers with advanced formulation strategies to unlock applications that are currently dominated by fossil-based plastics.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Polymer Chemist with strong expertise in polymer formulations and functionalisation. This role will focus on the development of polymeric formulations for specific medical and cosmetic products, including but not limited to UV-curable resins for advanced manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will play a central role in designing, formulating, and optimising materials to meet demanding performance criteria, while translating laboratory formulations into scalable solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop polymeric formulations using biobased polymers
- Design and develop photopolymer resin systems for SLA/DLP processes
- Select and evaluate photoinitiators, reactive diluents, and additives
- Optimise material properties including transparency, mechanical performance, and processability
- Investigate cure kinetics, crosslink density, and network formation
- Conduct material characterisation (mechanical, thermal, rheological, optical)
- Collaborate with external partners to translate formulations into manufactured components
- Support scale-up from lab to pilot production
- Contribute to IP generation and technical strategy
Required Experience
- PhD or equivalent experience in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
- Solid understanding of polymers chemistry, functionalization techniques and properties
- Hands-on experience with photopolymer or UV-curable systems
- Strong background in polymer formulation and optimisation
- Understanding of free radical polymerisation and cure kinetics
- Experience translating materials into real-world applications
Desirable Experience
- Experience with SLA/DLP 3D printing materials
- Familiarity with biopolymers or biodegradable materials
- Exposure to medical or regulated environments
- Experience in scaling materials from lab to production
This is a major role in a startup company, therefore we are looking for strong experimental mindset and problem-solving ability. We are looking for a candidate comfortable to work in a startup environment, where high level of ownership is required.
Phast has offices and material processing lab at The Innovation Centre, 217 Portobello street, S1 4DP, Sheffield, UK and uses chemistry facilities within the University of Sheffield premises.
Salary & Benefits
- Type of employment: permanent, full-time (37.5 working hours a week, Monday – Friday)
- Starting date: 1st of July 2026 or earlier
- Salary: £38,000 – £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Life pension scheme company contributed
- Relocation assistance
- Eligible to participate in employee share option scheme
If interested, please email your CV and cover letter to a.mele@phast-tech.co.uk
Polymer Chemist in Sheffield employer: Phast
Contact Detail:
Phast Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Polymer Chemist in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the polymer chemistry field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects and formulations. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can do – it’s all about making a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to polymer chemistry and your experience. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Don’t hesitate to submit your application directly on our site – it shows initiative and interest in being part of our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Polymer Chemist in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Polymer Chemist role. Highlight your experience with polymer formulations and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on biobased materials!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable polymers and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Phast. Let us know what excites you about the role and our mission.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects that relate to photopolymer systems or biopolymers. We love seeing hands-on experience, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements in polymer chemistry!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phast
✨Know Your Polymers
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymer chemistry and functionalisation techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience with biobased polymers and photopolymer systems, as this will show your expertise aligns with what the company is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since Phast is a startup, they value candidates who can think on their feet. Prepare to share instances where you've tackled challenges in polymer formulation or optimisation. Highlight your experimental mindset and how you've approached problem-solving in past projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Products
Take some time to research Phast's current projects and products. Understanding their focus on sustainable polymers and high-performance applications will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their development processes, collaboration with external partners, and how they envision scaling materials from lab to production. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their growth.