R&D Principle Scientist in East Leake

R&D Principle Scientist in East Leake

East Leake Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative R&D projects in gypsum systems and fire performance solutions.
  • Company: Join Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable construction.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, collaborative environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable building solutions and improve everyday life.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Engineering with R&D experience.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

At Saint-Gobain we are looking for an R&D Principal Scientist to join our Central R&D Innovation R&D centre in East Leake, helping to deliver innovative gypsum-based systems and fire performance solutions for global construction markets. This R&D Principal Scientist role will play a key part in supporting strategic innovation projects focused on gypsum systems, compliance, formulation development and system design. Working across international project teams, you’ll combine hands-on laboratory expertise with technical leadership to solve complex customer and business challenges. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge fire testing, material innovation and product performance development within a highly collaborative global R&D environment.

Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, designing, manufacturing and distributing materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Our innovation teams are focused on delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions that improve everyday life and create better living spaces around the world. This role is based on-site in East Leake, 5 days per week.

What we’re looking for:

  • Degree qualified in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
  • Strong industrial R&D experience within laboratory and testing environments, ideally linked to gypsum products or construction materials.
  • Experience in fire testing, passive fire protection or fire stopping systems, including knowledge of relevant certifications and standards.
  • Proven ability to lead technical projects, communicate findings and collaborate with international stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
  • Hands-on experimental mindset with experience developing testing methods, analysing material performance and driving innovation.

What you will be doing:

  • Lead and support R&D innovation projects focused on gypsum systems, compliance and formulation development.
  • Conduct laboratory-based testing and material investigations, developing new methods and technical solutions to complex challenges.
  • Work closely with project teams, customers and global stakeholders to communicate findings, present results and share technical knowledge.
  • Support fire performance and passive fire protection developments through testing, analysis and system design activities.
  • Drive innovation initiatives that improve product performance, system capability and customer value across international markets.

Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, following our purpose of ‘Making the World a Better Home’. We play a part in improving daily life through high-performance solutions. From wherever you are, let your unique personality and our values guide you every day to invent a more sustainable world. We understand that a diverse workplace is not only a more enjoyable place to be, but also facilitates better decision making and innovation. So, whoever you are, and whichever Saint-Gobain business you join, you can be sure of a warm welcome with us.

And what about flexibility?

At Saint-Gobain, we’re always open to new ways of working. Everyone has different needs and commitments. We’ll happily discuss any need you might have for this role. Whilst we can’t promise to meet every request when we’re recruiting, we do promise to listen. If you match our criteria, we will be in touch to discuss your experience and more about you as a person — we look forward to hearing from you!

R&D Principle Scientist in East Leake employer: Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland

At Saint-Gobain, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at our Central R&D Innovation centre in East Leake. Our commitment to innovation in sustainable construction is matched by our dedication to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects. With a focus on inclusivity and flexibility, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful advancements in the industry.

Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland

Contact Details:

Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land R&D Principle Scientist in East Leake

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your hands-on experience and any innovative projects you've worked on. This is your time to shine and show how you can contribute to their R&D efforts.

Tailor Your Approach

Before any interview or networking event, do your homework! Understand Saint-Gobain’s values and recent projects. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Saint-Gobain team.

We think you need these skills to ace R&D Principle Scientist in East Leake

Materials Science
Chemistry
Engineering
Industrial R&D Experience
Laboratory Testing
Fire Testing
Passive Fire Protection

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the R&D Principal Scientist role. Highlight your hands-on laboratory expertise and any relevant projects you've led, especially those related to gypsum products or fire performance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about innovation in construction materials. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your collaborative spirit!

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to emphasise your technical skills, particularly in fire testing and material performance analysis. We want to see how you can contribute to our cutting-edge projects, so don’t hold back on the details!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!

How to prepare for a job interview at Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland

Know Your Gypsum Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of gypsum-based systems and fire performance solutions. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving formulation development or compliance. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the material but also passionate about it.

Showcase Your Hands-On Experience

Prepare to share examples of your hands-on laboratory work and any innovative testing methods you've developed. Highlight how your experimental mindset has led to successful outcomes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle complex challenges head-on.

Communicate Like a Pro

Since this role involves collaboration with international teams, practice articulating your findings clearly and concisely. Think about how you can present technical information in an engaging way. This will help you stand out as a strong communicator who can bridge gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Emphasise Your Leadership Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience leading technical projects and how you’ve motivated teams to achieve their goals. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven innovation initiatives and improved product performance. This will highlight your capability to take charge and make a real impact in the R&D space.