Senior Research Development Scientist in London

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 lean, fast moving materials innovation startup based at Victoria House, London. The company operates in a focused R&D environment, with a strong emphasis on scientific quality, efficient experimentation, high quality data, and clear technical results.

This is a senior hands on role for someone with deep expertise in polymers, materials science, and novel synthesis methods. The successful candidate will combine strong scientific judgement with practical laboratory leadership, clear communication, and the ability to deliver reliable results in a demanding startup environment.

We are seeking a Senior R&D Scientist for a full time, on site role based at Victoria House, London, United Kingdom. The successful candidate will lead and support advanced R&D activities across polymer chemistry, materials development, formulation, synthesis, characterisation, and experimental design. This role requires someone who can think independently, solve complex scientific problems, lead laboratory work, and guide a small technical team toward clear research and commercial objectives.

This position is suited to a scientist who is rigorous, creative, agile, highly organised, and comfortable working in a fast paced, results focused environment. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience, demonstrable leadership qualities, and the ability to move confidently from scientific concept to experimental execution, data interpretation, reporting, and team direction.

• Lead R&D projects focused on polymers, advanced materials, formulation, and novel synthesis methods
• Design, plan, and execute experiments with clear objectives, strong controls, and reliable data outputs
• Develop and optimise polymer synthesis routes, material formulations, and characterisation workflows
• Analyse, interpret, and communicate experimental results with scientific clarity and commercial relevance
• Guide junior scientists and laboratory team members in experimental planning, execution, safety, and documentation
• Demonstrate leadership through clear decision making, technical judgement, accountability, and team coordination
• Support the development of new materials, processes, and technical approaches
• Troubleshoot complex laboratory and synthesis challenges using strong scientific reasoning
• Apply advanced characterisation and analytical methods such as FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, SEM, TEM, rheology, spectroscopy, chromatography, and wet chemistry techniques
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety, chemical handling, risk assessment, and regulatory awareness
• Ensure accurate laboratory records, data traceability, technical reports, and internal documentation
• Present findings clearly to internal teams, technical partners, and international stakeholders
• Contribute to technical strategy, research direction, and the prioritisation of high impact experiments
• Work efficiently under demanding timelines while maintaining strong scientific discipline and data quality
• Adapt quickly to changing research priorities while keeping focus on quality, safety, and useful results

• PhD or Master's degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Proven industry experience in polymers, materials, chemicals, coatings, composites, biomaterials, sustainable materials, or related sectors
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in startup, scale up, high growth, or fast moving industrial R&D environments
• Strong technical background in polymers, materials chemistry, synthesis, formulation, or advanced materials development
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing complex laboratory experiments
• Strong knowledge of polymer synthesis, structure property relationships, material performance, and characterisation methods
• Experience with analytical and characterisation techniques such as FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, SEM, TEM, rheology, chromatography, or related methods
• Proven ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into clear technical recommendations
• Demonstrable leadership qualities, including mentoring, team coordination, technical ownership, and sound scientific decision making
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety, chemical risk assessment, safe operating procedures, and good laboratory practice
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Ability to present technical information clearly, accurately, and confidently to scientific and non scientific audiences
• Creative, practical, and analytical approach to problem solving
• Agile, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast paced applied R&D environment

We are looking for a scientist who combines intellectual depth with practical execution. The right person will be able to lead from the front in the laboratory, challenge assumptions, improve experimental approaches, and maintain a strong focus on quality data and useful results. This role will suit someone who is proactive, scientifically ambitious, highly disciplined, and able to perform well in a demanding technical environment where speed, accuracy, safety, and judgement all matter.

• Location: Victoria House, London, United Kingdom
• Working pattern: Full time, on site
• Seniority: Senior Scientist / R&D Lead level
• Salary: £40-50k, negotiable
• Function: R&D, polymer chemistry, materials science, synthesis, formulation, characterisation
• Industry: Advanced materials, polymers, materials innovation, applied chemistry