At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative polymer materials for sports apparel and impact protection.
- Company: Join RHEON LABS, a pioneering materials technology company in the sports sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, team lunches, gym access, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by working with global sports brands on groundbreaking products.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in chemistry or related fields, with polymer formulation experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
At RHEON LABS, a materials technology business serving the sports-clothing and impact protection sectors, we have an opportunity for a Senior Polymer Chemist to join our R&D Team. RHEON LABS specialises in developing and producing innovative, high-performance ‘energy control’ materials that enable sports apparel to enhance the wearer’s experience. This performance improvement can be a result of the active control of body movement or by offering class-leading impact protection in thin, flexible components. We are working with many of the global sporting brands, such as Adidas, Decathlon and Fly Racing.
The Role
- Lead the development of novel polymer-based material formulations, applying expertise in polymer chemistry, formulation knowledge, and materials science.
- Manage and deliver multiple material development projects from concept through validation, ensuring technical milestones, timelines, and commercial objectives are achieved.
- Provide technical leadership and customer-facing support on collaborative development projects, translating application requirements into material solutions.
- Identify and drive opportunities to expand Rheon’s material technologies into new industries, applications, and commercial markets.
- Design and execute material characterization and testing programs using thermal, rheological, and chemical analysis techniques (MFI, DSC, TGA, DMA, FT-IR, tensile, tear, and hysteresis).
- Support polymer processing and scale-up activities across a range of manufacturing methods, including twin-screw compounding, injection moulding, cast film extrusion and additive manufacturing.
- Perform patent reviews, technical literature analysis, and market research to identify emerging technologies and innovation opportunities.
- Manage raw material sourcing, qualification, and performance evaluation to support development and production requirements.
- Ensure compliance with relevant chemical and product regulations, including REACH, SVHC, and preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, and commercial teams to ensure robust processing, reproducibility, and product quality.
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong technical background (MSc or PhD) in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, or related disciplines.
- Experience in polymer formulation, compounding, processing, and characterization.
- Ability to lead technical projects and manage customer-facing development activities.
- Working knowledge of chemical regulatory frameworks.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
Our Offer to You
- Playing a key role in a fast-growing organisation;
- Working on exciting, ground-breaking product developments with global sports brands;
- Enjoying a great office atmosphere of collective endeavour, exploration and mutual support;
- Developing not just new materials but also new, ground-breaking processes, capabilities and knowledge;
- Engaging in a role that will require formal, and informal communications with our high-profile customers and commercial partners;
- Working in a fast-paced, interesting, and very current sector;
- Working alongside highly experienced senior staff.
Benefits
- 30 days holiday
- Monthly team lab lunches
- Team events and clubs
- Office gym access
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Learning and development opportunities
About RHEON LABS
RHEON LABS has developed a revolutionary material that is capable of absorbing high levels of energy in impact, tension and vibration. It uses a property known as “strain-rate dependency” to allow this material to be flexible in normal use, but to “stiffen” instantaneously and temporarily when subject to an acute energy input. This material can be moulded directly onto clothing, incorporated into the fabric as a thread or coating, or laminated into/onto the material and is both breathable and washable. The technology is patent protected and emerged from research work carried out at Imperial College, London. See www.rheonlabs.com for further insight into this sports-focused proposition.
Senior Polymer Scientist in London employer: Rheon Labs
At RHEON LABS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Polymer Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge materials for leading global sports brands, all while enjoying a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth. With benefits like 30 days of holiday, team events, and access to an office gym, we ensure our employees are well-equipped to excel both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Polymer Scientist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the materials science and polymer chemistry fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues at RHEON LABS. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects related to polymer formulation and material development. Bring it along to interviews or share it during networking sessions. This will help us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to our innovative team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to RHEON LABS through our website and express your interest in joining the team. A well-crafted message highlighting your skills and passion for polymer science can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant publications and join online forums related to polymer science and materials technology. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also show us that you’re genuinely interested in the field and ready to bring fresh ideas to RHEON LABS.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Polymer Scientist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in polymer chemistry and materials science. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with innovative materials and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at RHEON LABS.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with material characterization techniques and polymer processing methods. We love seeing candidates who can bring practical knowledge to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our exciting team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rheon Labs
✨Know Your Polymers
Make sure you brush up on your polymer chemistry knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific materials and their properties, as well as any recent advancements in the field. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely passionate about the subject.
✨Project Management Prowess
Since the role involves managing multiple projects, prepare examples of how you've successfully led similar initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to meet technical milestones and timelines, and be ready to discuss how you handle challenges during project development.
✨Customer-Facing Experience
RHEON LABS values collaboration with high-profile customers. Think of instances where you've translated complex technical information into practical solutions for clients. This will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally, which is crucial for this role.
✨Stay Updated on Regulations
Familiarise yourself with relevant chemical regulations like REACH and SVHC. Being able to discuss compliance and safety measures will show that you understand the importance of these aspects in material development and can contribute to maintaining high standards at RHEON LABS.
