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.

Senior R&D Scientist
Location: London (Zone 1–2)
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 | Full-time, Permanent

The Role

You will design and run laboratory experiments focused on the extraction, separation and purification of metals from heterogeneous feedstocks. Responsibilities include:

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

About You

Essential:

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 feedstocks

Proficiency with ICP, XRD, XRF, SEM-EDX

Strong experimental design, troubleshooting and data interpretation skills

Excellent safety awareness and documentation practice

Desirable:

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

Why Apply?

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