At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative bio-based elastomer formulations for sustainable textiles.
- Company: Tera Mira, a pioneering deep-tech start-up focused on eco-friendly fashion solutions.
- Benefits: Part-time role with remote work options and real ownership over impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborate with a small team and shape the future of high-performance textiles.
- Why this job: Join us to tackle sustainable fashion's toughest challenges and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in polymer chemistry or related field, with hands-on lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Company
Tera Mira is a London-based deep-tech start-up replacing elastane, the stretch in almost every garment you own, with an elastic fibre made from seaweed. Elastane is petroleum-derived, impossible to recycle, and a major source of textile microplastics; our fibre is bio-based, biodegradable, and drawn from one of the most abundant renewable feedstocks on the planet. We were named a winner of the H&M Foundation Global Change Award 2026 and are backed by Innovate UK, the Henry Royce Institute, and others betting on a future where high-performance textiles don't cost the earth.
The Role
The chemistry of our fibre is central to how it stretches, how it recovers, how it holds up after a thousand washes, all of it comes down to formulation. As Senior Biopolymer Scientist, you'll take the lead. You'll design and refine the formulations that determine what our fibre can do, working directly with the founding team at the point where fundamental science becomes a product the world can use.
What You'll Be Doing
- Own the design and optimisation of our bio-based elastomer formulations, balancing elasticity, recovery, and durability.
- Develop and refine crosslinking strategies to push mechanical performance beyond what ionic systems alone can achieve.
- Design experiments to map structure property relationships across formulation variants then use that knowledge to move fast.
- Translate formulation insights into clear guidance for wet-spinning process parameters.
- Evaluate raw material and supplier options to inform formulation and sourcing decisions.
- Document your work rigorously to support IP, grant, and partner conversations.
This Role May Be for You, If You
- Have a background in polymer chemistry, biopolymers, materials science, or a closely related field.
- Have hands-on experience with crosslinking chemistries and structure property relationships in polymers.
- Are energised by hard problems with real consequences not incremental work, but genuinely new territory.
- Thrive in a small team where you shape the direction as much as you execute it.
Qualifications
- Education: PhD or MSc in polymer chemistry, biopolymers, materials science, or equivalent research experience.
- Experience: Hands-on lab experience with hydrogel or biopolymer formulation, ideally in an applied or industrial setting.
- Technical: Familiarity with crosslinking chemistries (ionic, covalent, or both) and mechanical characterisation methods.
What You'll Find at Tera Mira
- A part-time role (3 days per week), with remote working possible.
- Real ownership over the core material chemistry behind our fibre platform.
- The chance to be the person who cracks one of sustainable fashion's hardest problems.
- Work that sits at the intersection of deep science and genuine environmental impact.
Senior Biopolymer Scientist in City of London employer: Tera Mira
Tera Mira is an innovative deep-tech start-up based in London, dedicated to revolutionising the textile industry with sustainable solutions. As a Senior Biopolymer Scientist, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values your expertise and creativity, while contributing to meaningful environmental change. With flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to lead groundbreaking research, Tera Mira offers a unique environment for professional growth and impactful contributions to sustainable fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Biopolymer Scientist in City of London
✨Get Involved in Local Chemistry Groups
Dive into local chemistry clubs or societies—these are perfect for networking and often host events like talks and workshops where you can meet professionals. Not only can this boost your visibility, but it could also lead to part-time roles at local labs or companies looking for enthusiastic help.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
If you're looking for a part-time gig in chemistry, why not showcase your talent? Put together a portfolio of any research, projects or experiments you've done. This can be especially enticing for companies like Tera Mira that appreciate hands-on experience in applicants.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in university or nearby, don’t sleep on your career service office. They often have connections with local companies seeking part-time chemists, like recruitment fairs or specific job postings. Make sure you’re on their radar!
✨Tackle Job Boards Specific to Chemistry
Hit up job boards that are tailored to the science industry, such as chemistry-related websites or forums. They often have part-time listings from reputable companies, so keep an eye out and don’t hesitate to apply through our website for roles that catch your eye!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Biopolymer Scientist in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Labs and Projects:When applying for a part-time role in chemistry, be sure to showcase any relevant lab experience or projects you've worked on during your studies. Include specific techniques, equipment you’ve used, and any results or discoveries you've made—this will show Tera Mira you’re hands-on and ready to contribute.
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Coursework:Make your CV stand out by listing specific chemistry modules you've completed that align with the needs of Tera Mira. If you've tackled topics like organic chemistry, analytical techniques, or materials science, make sure they're front and centre; this helps us see your expertise at a glance.
Show Your Passion in the Cover Letter:For a part-time role, your enthusiasm really counts! In your cover letter, talk about why you’re excited about chemistry and what draws you to Tera Mira. Share any relevant experiences, like research assistance or volunteering opportunities, to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:As this is a part-time position, ensure your application is concise—we want to see the key points that make you a great fit for Senior Biopolymer Scientist with minimal fluff. Stick to one page for your CV and keep your cover letter to a few well-crafted paragraphs. Short and sweet is the way to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tera Mira
✨Brush Up on Your Lab Skills
Make sure you're familiar with the basic chemistry techniques that are commonly used in the lab. You might be asked about titrations, chromatography, or even how you would handle certain materials. Being able to talk confidently about these skills can really set you apart!
✨Get Ready for Practical Questions
Part-time roles in chemistry often involve practical application. Expect questions that test your understanding of laboratory safety protocols and analytical methods. They might even throw a hypothetical scenario your way to see how you’d approach a particular experiment, so think through your processes beforehand!
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Availability
Since this is a part-time gig, it’s crucial to discuss your availability openly. Be ready to explain how you can fit this role around your other commitments, especially in relation to lab hours or critical project timelines. Companies like Tera Mira are often looking for reliability, so it's important to assure them you can manage your time effectively!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Chemistry
In a part-time role, motivation and enthusiasm can really go a long way. Be prepared to share why you're passionate about chemistry and what draws you to working with a team like the one at Tera Mira. A genuine interest can make you a memorable candidate in the eyes of your interviewers.
