Laboratory Chemist & R&D Coordinator (Part-time)

Salary: £17,000–£20,000 per annum (20 hours per week)

Contract: 12-month fixed-term, with potential for extension or full-time employment

Working Pattern: Part-time, primarily on-site

About the Company

Location: London Area, United Kingdom

Salary: £17,000–£20,000 per annum (20 hours per week)

Contract: 12-month fixed-term, with potential for extension or full-time employment

Working Pattern: Part-time, primarily on-site

STEM Recruiters UK is a specialist recruitment agency supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics organisations across the UK. We work with innovative companies, research teams and high-growth startups to connect technically capable professionals with roles where they can make a direct impact.

We are currently supporting a growing materials innovation startup based in London. The company develops advanced polymer technologies and operates in a dynamic R&D environment, combining laboratory research, product development and collaboration with international technical partners.

As a small and ambitious team, the company values scientific curiosity, practical problem-solving, clear communication and individuals who are comfortable taking ownership of different responsibilities.

About the Role

We are seeking a Part-Time Laboratory Chemist & R&D Coordinator to support both technical research and the day-to-day coordination of R&D activities.

This is primarily a technical laboratory role, with additional responsibilities covering research, grant applications, procurement, logistics, project coordination and general startup operations.

The successful candidate will contribute to polymer synthesis, formulation, materials characterisation and experimental research. They will also help ensure that laboratory activities run smoothly by coordinating suppliers, securing laboratory materials, supporting grant applications and preparing technical documentation.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working at the laboratory bench but also enjoys writing, researching, organising information and coordinating projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist seeking hands-on technical experience alongside broader exposure to the operations of a science-led startup.

Key Responsibilities1. Laboratory Research & Product Development

• Conduct and support laboratory experiments involving polymer synthesis, modification, formulation and materials characterisation.
• Prepare, handle and analyse chemical, polymer and material samples.
• Support experimental design, optimisation and troubleshooting.
• Operate laboratory equipment and assist with analytical testing using techniques such as FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, SEM, UV-Vis and general wet chemistry methods, as relevant.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records and technical documentation.
• Analyse experimental results and prepare clear technical reports, data summaries and presentations.
• Conduct technical research and literature reviews to support ongoing product development.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practice.

2. Research, Grant Application Support & Technical Writing

• Research and identify relevant grant opportunities, innovation funding programmes and research support schemes.
• Assist with preparing grant applications, including technical descriptions, project plans, supporting documents and funding narratives.
• Support reporting requirements, project milestones and documentation for funded R&D programmes.
• Conduct scientific literature reviews, competitor research and technology assessments relevant to product development.
• Prepare well-structured research summaries, technical reports, presentations and other written materials.
• Help coordinate information and contributions from internal colleagues and external research partners.

3. Procurement, Logistics & Laboratory Operations

• Support the procurement of laboratory chemicals, consumables, equipment and external testing services.
• Communicate with suppliers, obtain quotations, compare pricing and coordinate purchasing discussions.
• Track purchase orders, deliveries and laboratory inventory to ensure essential materials are available when needed.
• Assist with logistics arrangements, shipping coordination and relevant documentation for domestic and international shipments.
• Coordinate with external laboratories, testing providers and technical service partners.
• Maintain organised procurement records, supplier information and operational documentation.
• Support general laboratory administration and day-to-day operational requirements.

4. Project Coordination & General Startup Support

• Help track research project activities, deadlines, milestones and deliverables.
• Prepare meeting notes, progress updates, action trackers and internal reports.
• Coordinate communications and follow-ups with research partners, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Support occasional marketing research, technical content preparation and business development activities.
• Assist with administrative tasks associated with the company's ongoing R&D and commercialisation programmes.
• Contribute proactively to improving internal processes and keeping projects organised and moving forward.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Practical laboratory experience in chemistry, polymer research, formulation, materials science or chemical analysis.
• Familiarity with relevant laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation.
• Strong scientific research skills, including the ability to review and summarise technical literature.
• Excellent written English, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and well-structured technical documents.
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage several tasks, prioritise effectively and work independently.
• Confidence communicating professionally with suppliers, researchers and external partners.
• Good proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A practical, proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• Understanding of laboratory safety, chemical handling and good laboratory practice.
  

Desirable Experience

• Previous involvement in research grant applications, funding proposals or grant-funded projects.
• Familiarity with Innovate UK or other UK and European research funding programmes.
• Experience supporting laboratory procurement, supplier management or logistics coordination.
• Experience with polymer synthesis, polymer modification or materials characterisation.
• Experience in research project management, technical reporting or scientific administration.
• Previous work in a startup, university laboratory or small R&D organisation.
• Exposure to technical marketing, scientific communications or commercial research.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a scientifically capable, organised and motivated individual who enjoys combining hands-on laboratory research with broader project responsibilities.

The ideal candidate is someone who can conduct an experiment in the morning, analyse and document the results, research a technical question, communicate with a supplier and help prepare a grant application or project report.

You should be comfortable working in a small team where priorities can evolve and where initiative, reliability and adaptability are highly valued.

Above all, we are looking for someone with strong technical foundations, excellent writing skills, good organisational abilities and the willingness to take ownership of their work.

This role offers an opportunity to gain meaningful experience across laboratory research, product development, research funding, procurement, technical partnerships and the day-to-day operations of an innovative materials science startup.