Senior Material Scientist

Senior Material Scientist

Join Notpla and help build a healthier planet by developing natural alternatives to single‑use plastic packaging. Founded on the belief that nature knows best, Notpla is an innovative scale‑up creating uncompromisingly natural packaging solutions from seaweed and plants.

Notpla has secured a £20 million Series A+ fundraise and is on track for major growth in the next 18–24 months. To support this, we offer competitive compensation, including EMI Share Options, a zero‑carbon pension scheme, discounts with local businesses, and subsidised social activities. Our office‑first hybrid working policy lets you work in the way that maximises your productivity while maintaining a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.

• Play a central scientific role in Notpla’s large funded consortium project, executing and coordinating polymer chemistry activities across the consortium.
• Pioneer new approaches to polymer synthesis from abundant natural materials.
• Conduct feasibility studies and fast‑paced discovery projects to address material science and packaging challenges.
• Collaborate closely with cross‐disciplinary teams – including designers, engineers, seaweed specialists, and business development managers – to solve complex problems.
• Identify, source, and test natural materials; develop formulations that meet performance, sustainability, and cost targets.
• Design and execute experiments, analyse data, and present findings to drive decision‑making and project progress.
• Stay up to date with the latest scientific and industry advancements, integrating new knowledge into projects.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patents and trade secrets.
• Provide technical input for grant and client proposals to secure funding.
• Lead in‑depth development projects to advance the understanding of seaweed and biomaterials for packaging applications.
• Characterise polymer structures, reactions, and material behaviour, and conduct performance, shelf‑life, and compatibility studies.
• Represent Notpla to external partners, academic institutions, and commercial labs; coordinate third‑party testing as needed.
• Develop technical strategies and approaches to solve key challenges.
• Mentor colleagues (scientists, designers, engineers) to help develop their technical skills and support their project work.
• Plan and manage your own workload effectively.

A background in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering with hands‑on experience working with natural materials such as biopolyesters, rubbers, resins, seaweed, and/or processes such as PET recycling or polymer extrusion.

£38,000 – £45,000 + EMI Share Options.

Competitive salary, EMI Share Options, zero‑carbon pension scheme, discounts with local businesses, subsidised social activities, flexible office‑first hybrid working.

Notpla Limited takes inclusion and diversity seriously. It is important for us that we live by our values and our policies outline how – We work better together. Notpla is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.