Materials Scientist in Wimbledon

Job description

Job Title: Materials Scientist – for Sustainable Formulations & Process Development

Location: London, UK

Materials Scientist - Project-based Role for Sustainable Formulations & Process Development

Join Biophilica and Be Part of Shaping the Future of Sustainable Materials

Are you a materials scientist passionate about sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge materials development? Biophilica, a pioneering and award-winning materials science startup, is seeking a highly driven and organized commercial R&D scientist to join our team in London. If you have expertise in green chemistry, plastics, biopolymers, coatings, and surface chemistry — particularly with plastics, polysaccharides and plant-derived polymers — we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to contribute to the development and scaling of our award-winning plant-based materials with unique environmental benefits.

Why Biophilica?

We are a recognized startup on a mission to bring our truly sustainable leather alternative — Treekind® — to the mass market. Our team thrives on results and progress, efficiency in an agile environment.

Our achievements include:

• Launched material with ID Geneve Watches in 2023
• Pilot programme with 4 brands within the Fashion For Good network
• Project with beauty brand for packaging
• Demo-line and scale-up trials
• Treekind ranked #2 leather alternative worldwide: ecocult.com/list-vegan-leather-alternatives-ranked

Awards:

• Cartier Women’s Initiative 2024: 1st Place Europe
• PDS Ventures’ and Global Fashion Agenda’s Trailblazer 2024: Finalist
• Women in Innovation 2022
• Manufacturing Futures 2021
• Mills Fabrica Techstyle for Social Good 2021
• Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2021 (Finalist)
• Microfibre Innovation Challenge 2022 (Finalist)
• UKBAA Angel Investments Awards Finalist 2022 (Finalist)
• Vogue Yoox 2021 (Finalist)

Accelerators:

• LVMH Startup Accelerator 
• Fashion For Good accelerator followed by the FFG pilot program

About the Project-based Role

We are seeking a Masters or PhD-qualified Materials Scientist with 4 years of commercial experience in plastics and/or biopolymers. This role is perfect for a highly motivated, entrepreneurial scientist who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. You will develop formulations for product applications, processes and technologies, to rapidly scale our materials, ensuring they meet market quality and cost demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Novel materials design and development using green chemistry principles
• Formulation development, support process engineering and optimisation
• Implement quality control testing protocols
• Analyse and report on standard chemical and mechanical testing
• Collaborate closely with industrial research partners and external vendors
• Manage projects efficiently to deliver on time or ahead of schedule
• Occasionally travel within the UK/EU

What We’re Looking For

• Masters or PhD (or postdoctoral experience) ideally in Materials Science or Chemistry. Closely related fields will also be considered.
• Strong commercial research experience in plastics, plant-derived biopolymers and/or green chemistry, including polysaccharides.
• Experience in startup environments and a clear understanding of what drives startup success
• Knowledge of surface characterisation techniques and mechanical property analysis and processing of polymers
• Experience working with engineers focused on process design, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial production
• You are pragmatic, thrive on challenges and making the most of existing resources
• Excellent time-management, organisational, and project management skills
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders within and outside of your area
• Ability to work successfully, delivering results both independently and within a team

What We Offer

• A one year contract based on a newly awarded project
• Competitive salary
• Occasional travel for off-site visits within the UK and internationally
• A collaborative, agile, and innovative work environment
• The opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials
• A role in a team making a real environmental impact

How to Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter, CV, compensation expectations, and contact information for three professional references to careers@biophilica.co.uk. Please include the screening question answers either in your cover letter or CV:

1. Have you completed the following level of education: Master's or PhD?
2. Are you comfortable commuting to Wimbledon?
3. How many years of Plastics Manufacturing experience do you currently have?
4. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
5. How many years of work experience do you have with Data Analysis?

Equal Opportunity Employer

Biophilica is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Join us in revolutionising sustainable materials

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Wimbledon

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

21-08-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English