Senior R&D Scientist

Cranleigh STEM are partnering exclusively with a mission‑driven R&D organisation developing next‑generation technologies for recovering high‑value materials from complex industrial waste. Their work supports the shift toward circular resource use and sustainable materials processing.

This is a rare opportunity to join a small, highly technical research team in a hands‑on experimental role, helping to shape a new extraction platform at the intersection of inorganic chemistry, sustainability and process innovation.

Location: London (Zone 1–2)

Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 | Full-time, Permanent

You will design and run laboratory experiments focused on the extraction, separation and purification of metals from heterogeneous feed stocks.

• Developing and executing solution‑based extraction and separation experiments
• Investigating leaching behaviour, speciation and process variables
• Characterising materials using ICP‑OES, XRD, SEM‑EDX, XRF and related tools
• Optimising conditions for improved yield, selectivity and purity
• Producing clear technical documentation and sharing results across the team
• Supporting SOP development, lab workflows and safety standards
• Informally guiding 1–2 junior researchers

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or related discipline
• Strong hands‑on wet‑chemistry or hydrometallurgical experience
• Experience with metals, inorganic systems or complex waste feed stocks
• Proficiency with ICP, XRD, XRF, SEM‑EDX
• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting and data interpretation skills
• Excellent safety awareness and documentation practice

• Experience with mixed‑metal systems, E‑waste, battery materials or mineral processing
• Knowledge of ionic liquids, solvent extraction or alternative leaching approaches
• Exposure to early‑stage or evolving R&D environments

• Work on a novel extraction platform in an emerging clean‑materials landscape
• Solve complex chemistry challenges with real sustainability impact
• Stay fully hands‑on while operating at a senior level
• High visibility and technical ownership in a growing, innovation‑driven team

To learn more, apply within or reach out directly with your CV