At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative bio-based elastomer formulations for sustainable textiles.
- Company: Join Tera Mira, a pioneering deep-tech start-up revolutionising fashion with eco-friendly materials.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role, remote work options, and real ownership of impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborate with a small team to shape the future of high-performance textiles.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable fashion, tackling real-world challenges with your expertise.
- 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 Slough employer: Tera Mira
Tera Mira is an exceptional employer for those passionate about sustainable innovation, offering a unique opportunity to lead the development of bio-based elastomer formulations in a collaborative and dynamic start-up environment. Located in London, we provide flexible working arrangements, real ownership of impactful projects, and the chance to contribute to a solution that addresses critical environmental challenges in the fashion industry. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, scientific rigor, and meaningful contributions to a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Biopolymer Scientist in Slough
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
Universities are often at the forefront of biotech research, so don’t forget to use your career services to find part-time opportunities. Many labs look for students to assist with research and that’s a great way to get your foot in the door!
✨Get Involved with Biotech Communities
Join local biotech meetups and online forums like Biotech Connection or the Biotech Hub. These communities can not only keep you updated on new opportunities but also help you make valuable connections in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
If you've worked on any relevant projects or research, create a simple portfolio that highlights your lab skills and findings. This is especially important for part-time roles in biotechnology, as employers want to see what you can bring to their team.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
Many biotech firms, including places like Tera Mira, often list part-time positions directly on their websites. Don’t hesitate to check these sites regularly and apply early—opportunities can fill up quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Biopolymer Scientist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In biotechnology, lab skills are crucial. Highlight any relevant coursework, laboratory experience, or techniques you’ve mastered in your CV. If you have specific certifications, make sure to include those too—they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to Biotech Buzzwords:Use industry-specific terms and buzzwords that resonate with biotechnology. We want to see evidence of your familiarity with concepts like CRISPR, bioinformatics, or genetic engineering. Tailoring your CV this way can catch the eye of hiring managers at Tera Mira.
Express Your Passion in the Cover Letter:Since this is a part-time gig, inject enthusiasm into your cover letter! Talk about why you’re keen to work in biotechnology and what you hope to learn from your time at Tera Mira. This is your chance to show your motivation and eagerness to grow in the field!
Keep it Concise but Impactful:Part-time positions often attract many applicants, so make every word count! Keep your CV to a couple of pages max, focusing on key experiences and skills that align with the job. Remember, less is more—quality over quantity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tera Mira
✨Understanding the Science
Make sure you’re up-to-speed with the latest trends in biotechnology. Brush up on the key concepts and jargon in the field, as you'll likely face questions that assess your understanding of processes like gene editing or CRISPR technology. Showing genuine interest and knowledge will make us stand out at the interview with Tera Mira.
✨Showcase Your Laboratory Skills
For a part-time role, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in lab settings. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques or tools you’ve used, whether it's PCR, gel electrophoresis, or bioinformatics software. If you've got examples from internships or university projects, bring them to the table to demonstrate your practical abilities.
✨Flexibility and Commitment
In a part-time role, being adaptable is key. Employers want to see that you're not only available at specific times but also willing to take on diverse tasks. Be ready to discuss your availability and how you can contribute to various projects at Tera Mira without compromising your studies or other commitments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions that may involve problem-solving scenarios relevant to biotechnology. Practise articulating how you would approach challenges or interpret data related to biological experiments. We should also consider being proactive and thinking about the implications of biotechnological advancements, as these discussions can really impress the interviewers.
