Senior ​/ Lead Research Scientist – Sustainable Super Absorbent Polymers

Help Build the Future of a Global Industry

A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford University–based materials science venture developing bio-based and/or biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace today’s fossil-based plastics.

SAPs are the “magic-like” absorbent cores inside diapers, menstrual pads and incontinence products. In agriculture, they act as “water-storage crystals” that help soil retain moisture. Today’s SAPs are persistent plastics that can remain in the environment and contribute to microplastic pollution. Growing regulatory pressure, consumer demand and the scale of the microplastics crisis are making sustainable alternatives increasingly urgent.

Our goal is simple and ambitious: to replace the synthetic superabsorbents that dominate a $9B market today and are expected to reach $17B by 2035
, delivering materials that achieve the essential trifecta of top performance, competitive pricing and large-scale manufacturability
.

We believe this is a generational opportunity to reinvent an essential material, transform a global industry and make sustainable SAPs the new standard. We are bringing together exceptional scientists, industry experts, investors and commercial partners to make it happen.

We recently closed a heavily oversubscribed $2M pre-seed round
, backed by an exceptional group of investors including Sake Bosch, caesar., Living Hope VC, Archipelago Ventures, Triple Impact Ventures, Cranfield University Seed Fund and Oxford Seed Fund
, alongside leading business angels from the Cambridge Capital Group and Oxford Innovation Finance.

A&B Smart Materials was named in the UK Startups 100 2026
, won the Planet Positive Award at MRE 2026
, and one of our founders has been recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30
. We are supported by Chemstars, the Earth Scale Accelerator and the Green Tech Legal Collaborative
.

We have also signed a deal with one of the world’s largest chemical companies. Achieving this at our stage is an exceptional milestone and a strong validation of our technology, team and commercial momentum.

Our advisors include the former Managing Director of the world’s largest superabsorbent polymer company, alongside other world-class leaders with deep experience across SAPs, hygiene, chemical manufacturing and agriculture.

You will join a small, ambitious team with the speed and ownership of a startup, the backing of outstanding investors and advisors, and the opportunity to collaborate with one of the largest chemical companies in the world.

We are looking for an exceptional polymer scientist to help build the future of sustainable superabsorbent polymers.

We are hiring at experienced, senior and lead level. Your title, remuneration, responsibilities and level of influence will reflect the expertise and impact you bring.

This is a hands-on role focused on the design, synthesis, formulation, characterisation, optimisation and scale-up of bio-based and/or biodegradable SAPs.

You will make a visible contribution from the beginning: shaping the science, developing valuable intellectual property and helping move breakthrough materials towards industrial-scale adoption.

Depending on your level, you will independently lead technical work streams, mentor other scientists and help shape our technology roadmap.

For senior and lead appointments, this is a genuine company-building role. You will work alongside the senior team to set research priorities and help lead the scientific, technical and product direction of A&B Smart Materials.

• Conduct hands-on experimental work in polymer and SAP synthesis, formulation and characterisation.
• Design and execute rigorous experiments, analyse results and rapidly translate learning into improved materials.
• Optimise absorption, retention, permeability, gel strength, biodegradability, cost and manufacturability.
• Develop and evaluate SAP formulations for hygiene, agriculture and other applications.
• Connect material chemistry and processing conditions with end-product performance.
• Contribute to intellectual property, patents, technical documentation and partner programmes.
• Support application testing, external…