Principal Material Development Scientist

4707891
  • Job type

    Permanent
  • Location

    London
  • Working Pattern

    Full-time
  • Specialism

    Scientific And Engineering
  • Industry

    Scientific and R&D
  • Pay

    £70,000 - £90,000
  • Closing date

    15 Aug 2025

Principal Material Development Scientist

Your New Company
You will be joining a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of regenerative biotechnology. With a mission to develop sustainable, high-performance materials, the company is pioneering innovations in bio-composites for the built environment. You will be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven team, working in a dynamic environment that blends scientific rigour with environmental impact.

Your New Role
As Principal Material Development Scientist, you will lead the research and development of next-generation bio-composite materials, with an initial focus on mycelium-based insulation products. You will drive material formulation, performance optimisation, and support scale-up and regulatory compliance. This role combines hands-on experimentation with strategic leadership, offering the opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials.

Main Responsibilities
  • Material R&D Leadership:
Conceive, lead, and manage R&D projects focused on the development of bio-composite materials.
Design and execute laboratory experiments using high-throughput and statistical Design of Experiment (DoE) methodologies.

  • Material Characterisation & Optimisation:
Analyse materials using thermal, structural, mechanical, and chemical techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, SEM, FTIR, tensile testing).
Optimise formulations to meet performance, safety, and sustainability targets.

  • Scale-Up & Process Integration:
Collaborate with process engineers to transition materials from lab-scale to pilot and production-scale manufacturing.
Ensure scalability and reproducibility of material properties.

  • Compliance & Sustainability:
Partner with regulatory and sustainability teams to ensure materials meet building codes, safety standards, and lifecycle goals.
Support documentation and protection of intellectual property related to formulations and processes.

  • Team Development & External Engagement:
Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building a high-performing materials team.
Engage with external research partners, suppliers, and industry experts to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies.

  • Data Analysis & Reporting:
Conduct critical analysis of experimental data and communicate findings effectively across teams.

What You’ll Need to Succeed
  • Education: PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience: 7+ years in advanced material development, ideally with bio-based or composite materials.
  • Expertise: Strong understanding of structure–property–process relationships in composite systems.
  • Skills: Proficiency in high-throughput experimentation and statistical DoE approaches.
  • Attributes: Passion for sustainability, innovation, and solving complex material challenges.
  • Communication: Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.

What You’ll Get in Return
  • Holidays: 26 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) and a pension plan.
  • Flexibility: Flexible working hours.
  • Benefits: Competitive stock option plan and opportunities for career progression.
  • Opportunities: Contribute to the development of cutting-edge sustainable technologies.
  • Environment: Work in a purpose-driven, collaborative, and innovative setting.

What You Need to Do Now
If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV or contact us directly at +44 333 010 6262 for a confidential discussion about your career options. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, feel free to reach out to us for guidance on your next career move.

Keywords: Principal Material Development Scientist, bio-composites, mycelium insulation, materials R&D, sustainable materials, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, FTIR, SEM, DoE, scale-up, product development, South Bermondsey, regenerative biotechnology, materials science.

Apply for this job

Talk to Shanae Meadows, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in London-City, 5th Floor, 107 Cheapside, Telephone 03330106262
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