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.

Open roles

Hiring companies

View 30 live roles → Get an alert

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

30 live roles

See all 30 roles →

Lead Administrator

As a Lead Administrator, you will support the Site Manager by coordinating meetings, tours, and events, managing KPI reports, and ensuring smooth operations across the site. You will also line manage the Business Support team and collaborate with various departments to achieve site-wide goals.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Corporate Platforms Programme Manager

As a Corporate Platforms Programme Manager, you will lead complex, multi-year technology programmes across corporate functions like Finance, HR, and Legal. You will define programme scope, manage delivery, and ensure successful adoption of changes, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent Flexible

Senior Analog IC Design Engineer

Senior Analog IC Design EngineerTeam – R&D EngineeringLocation – Cambridge, UKContract – Full-time, PermanentAbout CGDMaking Sustainable Power Electronics PossibleA spin-out of the Cambridge University, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops a range of energy-efficient GaN-based...

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Senior/Principal Reliability Engineer

Senior/Principal Reliability Engineer (Power Devices)Team – R&D EngineeringLocation – CambridgeContract – Permanent (Full time or part time)About CGDMaking Sustainable Power Electronics PossibleA spin-out of the Cambridge University, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops a range...

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Agile Business Analyst

Pay Range: €35000 - €52500Vacancy: Agile Business AnalystLocation: London or Royston, UKor Vilnius, Lithuania (hybrid working model)Salary: €55,000 - €60,000 / £55,000- £60,000World-changing careers, enabled by Johnson Matthey. With more than 200 years history, join us and help to accelerate...

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Security Governance and Assurance Manager

Security Governance and Assurance ManagerLocation: Global (Flexible to any country with a core JM site)At Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. As a Security Governance and Assurance Manager, you’ll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200...

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Security Governance and Assurance Manager

Johnson Matthey Cambridge, United Kingdom

Safe Assistant

Job title: Safe AssistantLocation: RoystonWorld-changing careers, enabled by Johnson Matthey. With more than 200 years history, join us and help to accelerate the transition to net-zero! As the Safe Assistant you’ll contribute to JM’s mission as a world leader in...

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

See all 30 roles →

Top hirers

Hiring here right now

See all companies →

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.

Hiring in this cluster?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing