At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop sustainable materials and tackle environmental challenges in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join Shellworks, a passionate team dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, enhanced parental leave, and a wellbeing allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up environment with excellent growth opportunities and regular team socials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the planet while growing your scientific expertise.
- Qualifications: Graduate degree in relevant field with at least 1 year of industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
London, N4. 4 days in our office, 1 day from home (choose from Tue–Thu). £35-45k per annum + equity.
About Shellworks
At Shellworks, we’re on a mission to make plastic waste a thing of the past. We’re creating a new generation of materials - sustainable, high-performing, and designed to disappear. By reimagining how materials are made, we’re tackling one of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.
About The Role
As part of our fast-paced, collaborative environment, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the planet while growing your expertise. If you're passionate about using your scientific skills to solve complex challenges and create a better future, this is the perfect role for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive the development of proprietary polymer blends and additive packages.
- Expand our core material's scope, successfully hitting commercial performance targets.
- Develop formulations that remain robust and uncompromising during a product’s shelf-life but maintain rapid biodegradability the moment they reach their end‑of‑life.
- Develop a predictive framework that correlates lab-based data to real‑world machine settings.
- Expand our internal testing suite to connect microstructure analysis (crystallinity, melt stability, etc) to macroscopic failure modes.
- Work with suppliers on new materials, including incoming material analysis, testing and qualification.
- Jump in wherever needed from vetting new sustainable feedstock suppliers to identifying and researching new opportunity spaces.
Our Ideal Candidate
- Holds a Graduate Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field, with at least 1 year of industry experience.
- Brings a proactive, results‑driven mindset and a strong willingness to learn.
- Demonstrates solid skills in experimental design, with a passion for experimentation, data analysis, validation, and thorough documentation.
- Has a first‑principles knowledge of chemistry and structure‑property relationships.
- Thrives in a high‑autonomy, fast‑moving start‑up environment.
- Independent decision maker, confident operating in ambiguity while driving clarity and momentum.
- A do‑it‑yourself / can‑do mentality – focused on interdisciplinary problem solving.
What we offer
- 28 days holiday + statutory holidays.
- Enhanced parental leave – 12 weeks maternity at full pay, 6 weeks paternity at full pay.
- Heka wellbeing allowance – to spend on what matters to you.
- Virtual GP – same or next day appointments and private prescriptions delivered to you.
- Cycle to work scheme – buy, subscribe to, or share a bike with savings of up to 42% via salary sacrifice.
- Competitive salary + equity options.
- Growth and development opportunities as we scale.
- Regular socials + daily catered lunch at the office.
- A tightly knit, passionate team making a real impact.
Join Us
Becoming a part of Shellworks means being part of a team that’s passionate about sustainability and innovation. Our world‑class team includes experts in materials science and visionary entrepreneurs dedicated to creating a better future. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible.
This role involves travel and requires manual handling of goods up to 25kg in weight.
Materials Scientist employer: Shellworks
At Shellworks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering employees the chance to make a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying competitive benefits such as enhanced parental leave, a wellbeing allowance, and regular team socials. Located in London, our dynamic start-up environment encourages creativity and initiative, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the materials science field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for sustainability! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on innovative materials and how they can change the world. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Shellworks’ mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals of tackling plastic waste and creating sustainable materials.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Materials Scientist role. Highlight any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your expertise in polymer science and materials development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for sustainability and innovation. Share why you want to join Shellworks and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our mission.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, emphasise your hands-on experience and ability to tackle complex challenges. We love candidates who can demonstrate their proactive mindset and curiosity in experimental design and data analysis.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shellworks
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymer science and materials chemistry. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your past work with materials, especially any innovative solutions you've developed. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've tackled complex challenges in your previous roles. Think about how you approached experimental design or data analysis, and be ready to explain your thought process. Shellworks values a proactive mindset, so demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with suppliers and team members, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, especially in fast-paced settings, and how you’ve contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Shellworks' mission and the specific projects you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the company and its goals. Inquire about their approach to sustainability and innovation, as well as opportunities for growth within the team.
