Principal Materials Scientist - biotech - Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited : Job Details

Your new companyYou 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 roleAs Principal Material Development Scientist, you will lead the research and development of next-generation bio-composite materials, using organisms including mycelium. 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.This is a permanent position based in London.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

• PhD / EngD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field - or equivalent experience
• Strong expertise in advanced materials development, ideally with bio-based or composite materials.
• Excellent understanding of structure-property-process relationships in composite systems.
• Proficiency in high-throughput experimentation and statistical DoE approaches.
• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and solving complex material challenges.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.

What you'll get in returnYou'll have the chance to work within a close-knit, experienced team and make a real difference within a company that's looking to transform the sector and have a far-reaching impact on the global scale.You'll also get a number of progression and development opportunities and a good salary and benefits package.What you need to do nowIf you are interested in this role, please click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. 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.

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