What types of companies hire materials scientists in Cambridge?

Companies in Cambridge range from academic institutions like the University of Cambridge to research-heavy startups and scaleups. The larger consultancies and pharmaceutical firms also have a presence.

Are most materials science roles in Cambridge on-site or hybrid?

Many roles in Cambridge offer a hybrid model, combining on-site work with remote flexibility. However, laboratory-based positions typically require more on-site presence.

What are the main areas of research in materials science in Cambridge?

Key areas of research include polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composites. There is also significant work in materials characterisation and metallurgy.

How competitive is the job market for materials scientists in Cambridge?

The job market in Cambridge is highly competitive, with a concentration of top talent and leading institutions. However, the city's strong ecosystem provides numerous opportunities for skilled professionals.

What is the salary range for materials scientists in Cambridge?

Salary ranges can vary widely depending on experience and role. For more detailed information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

Materials Science Jobs in Cambridge

Cambridge is a global hub for materials science, home to leading universities, research institutions, and innovative companies. The city's ecosystem fosters cutting-edge research and development in advanced materials, from polymers to nanomaterials.

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Cambridge is renowned for its world-class research and development in materials science. The city hosts a vibrant ecosystem of universities, research institutions, and innovative companies, making it a prime location for materials scientists and engineers. The University of Cambridge, in particular, is a powerhouse in this field, with its Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy leading numerous breakthroughs. Many scaleups and research-heavy startups in the area focus on developing advanced materials, including polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composites. The local job market is a mix of on-site and hybrid roles, offering flexibility and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Live jobs

3 live roles

Director of Packaging

Lead the development of advanced semiconductor packaging solutions for GaN-based power devices, combining technical expertise with leadership to drive innovation in thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance. Collaborate across internal teams and external partners to design wirebond, flip chip, and embedded packages, conduct multiphysics simulations, and support product qualification. Shape packaging strategy and contribute to the company’s technology roadmap in a hands-on, senior leadership role.

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Johnson Matthey UK LEAD Graduate Rotational Programme - 2027 cohort

This graduate rotational programme offers a 2.5-year development journey with three placements across Science, Commercial, and Operations functions. You'll work on business-critical projects focused on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence while building leadership skills through structured training and global collaboration. The role is designed to develop future leaders with exposure to senior stakeholders and real-world technical challenges in a circular economy context.

Johnson Matthey Cambridge, United Kingdom

Senior Analog IC Design Engineer

Designs and develops GaN-based power integrated circuits using EDA tools, focusing on analog simulation, layout, and testing at wafer and packaged device levels. Responsible for SPICE modeling, IP generation, and supporting patent applications. Works within a research-driven team advancing energy-efficient semiconductor technology.

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Roles further afield

A little outside Cambridge, but within reach.

Johnson Matthey UK LEAD Graduate Rotational Programme - 2027 cohort

This rotational graduate programme offers early-career professionals the opportunity to gain broad experience across Science, Commercial, and Operations functions within a global leader in sustainable technologies. Over 2.5 years, participants will lead and support business-critical projects focused on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, while developing leadership capabilities through structured training and cross-functional collaboration. The role emphasises technical problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and contributions to a circular economy through advanced materials chemistry.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Regional Operational Excellence Lead

Leads operational excellence initiatives across multiple UK manufacturing sites, driving safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements through continuous improvement methodologies and cross-functional collaboration. Develops and executes a regional roadmap while mentoring a team of specialists and fostering a culture of operational maturity. Focuses on transformational change and sustainable performance gains within a complex industrial environment.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Join Johnson Matthey Royston!

Work within Johnson Matthey’s Engineering and Maintenance teams at the Royston site, supporting sustainable technology and precious metals operations in a safety-focused manufacturing environment. Contribute to refining, recycling, and advanced materials production while applying technical problem-solving and continuous improvement. The role offers hybrid working and involvement in global sustainability initiatives.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Site Electrician

The Site Electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in an industrial setting at Johnson Matthey’s Royston facility. Key duties include emergency lighting checks, circuit installations, PAT testing, PPMs, and coordinating with other trades. The role requires adherence to safety standards and electrical compliance, with a focus on reliability and fault-finding in a fixed-term contract.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

On-site Contract

Mechanical Technician

The role involves performing proactive and reactive mechanical maintenance on industrial systems within a high-hazard COMAH-regulated site. You'll conduct fault finding, equipment repairs, installations, and commissioning, using technical drawings and P&IDs to support safe and reliable operations. The position requires hands-on mechanical expertise in a 24/7 shift environment, focusing on improving engineering reliability and compliance.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £44,113 – £60,345 pa

On-site Permanent Shift-work

Control Systems Engineer

Designs, maintains, and troubleshoots PLC and SCADA systems for industrial plant operations, with a focus on software development, control logic, and integration within live production environments. Supports process safety and reliability through alarm management, system upgrades, and participation in HAZOP studies. Works on both new installations and modifications to existing control infrastructure using platforms like Omron, Allen-Bradley, Wonderware, and Ignition.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Electrical and Multi- Skilled Technician

This role involves maintaining and improving electrical and instrumentation systems in a manufacturing environment, focusing on fault diagnosis, plant reliability, and compliance. Technicians will use technical drawings and SAP CMMS for maintenance records, conduct inspections, testing, and calibration, and support safe, efficient plant operations. The position requires hands-on problem-solving in a regulated industrial setting.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £43,765 – £60,345 pa

On-site Permanent

Mechanical Commissioning Technician

As a Mechanical Commissioning Technician, you will play a pivotal role in the commissioning and maintenance of advanced production equipment and utility systems at Johnson Matthey’s 3CR project. Your responsibilities will include performing planned, reactive, and corrective maintenance, fault diagnosis, and plant modifications to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the facility.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £44,261 pa

On-site Permanent Shift-work

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The scene

Hiring in Cambridge

Cambridge's materials science sector is driven by a combination of academic excellence and industrial innovation. The city's universities and research institutions provide a steady stream of highly qualified graduates and postdoctoral researchers, making it an attractive location for companies seeking top talent.

The local job market is characterised by a diverse range of opportunities, from fundamental research in academic settings to applied development in industry. Many roles involve interdisciplinary collaboration, offering materials scientists the chance to work with experts from other fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.

The city's commitment to sustainability and advanced technologies also means that there is a growing focus on developing materials for green applications, such as renewable energy and environmental remediation.

FAQs

Common questions

Companies in Cambridge range from academic institutions like the University of Cambridge to research-heavy startups and scaleups. The larger consultancies and pharmaceutical firms also have a presence.
Many roles in Cambridge offer a hybrid model, combining on-site work with remote flexibility. However, laboratory-based positions typically require more on-site presence.
Key areas of research include polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composites. There is also significant work in materials characterisation and metallurgy.
The job market in Cambridge is highly competitive, with a concentration of top talent and leading institutions. However, the city's strong ecosystem provides numerous opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on experience and role. For more detailed information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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