Research and Development Technologist

Harrogate
3 days ago
Create job alert

JOB: Research and Development Technologist
LOCATION: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
STATUS: Permanent (Monday to Friday - 37.5 hours per week)
SALARY: up to £37k plus generous benefits
My client is looking to appoint a highly skilled and motivated person to join their R&D team in an active product development role as an R&D Technologist. This is a full-time position based in North Yorkshire.
Are you looking to progress your laboratory career as a formulation chemist, focusing on new product development? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you to join a well-respected, global leader offering innovate and market-leading solutions. As part of an existing Research & Development team you will be working in a very hands-on laboratory position where you will play a key role in researching, developing, testing, and optimising product formulations.
The R&D Technologist has responsibility for the design and development of new industrial products and is involved from concept through to commercialisation.
The role will primarily involve the formulation and development of new polymer-based systems and the subsequent testing to verify performance using a range of analytical and mechanical methods.
Working alongside the existing R&D team and wider business, the Technologist is also involved in the scale-up process and preparation of supporting documentation/literature in readiness for market release.
My client’s customer base includes: Energy (Oil & Gas, Renewables, Nuclear), Steel, Marine, Mining, Petrochemical and many more.
Are you the right person for this role?
Essential

  • Background and qualification in a scientific area, preferably chemistry, polymer, or material science
  • Formulation and product development experience with a proven track record of innovation and success in a research and development role
  • Previous laboratory experience in a formulating role within a relevant discipline e.g paints, coatings, composites, sealants, adhesives
  • Strong practical and hands-on skills
  • Self-motivated, innovative, logical thinker with the ability to problem solve
  • Confident communicator and team player with good organisational skills
  • Enthusiasm and willingness to learn and develop
    Desirable/Advantageous
  • An understanding of polymer chemistry used in industrial coatings and composite repair materials e.g.
    epoxy (bisphenol A, bisphenol F and Novolac resins)
    polyurethanes and polyureas
    silanes, silicates, silicones and siloxanes
    polyester, vinyl ester and cyanate esters
    phenolics, furans and acrylics
    smart materials (self-healing, stimuli responsive etc.)
    bio-based polymers
  • Practical knowledge and experience in corrosion prevention and the use of coatings and repair composites.
  • Familiarity with coating and composite testing techniques e.g. immersion resistance, adhesion, mechanical strength, heat resistance etc.
  • Understanding of chemical and industrial processes in key markets, e.g. power/energy, marine, petrochemical, mining etc.
    What my client is offering?
  • Opportunity to join a successful and progressive company
  • Supportive, innovative, and collaborative work environment
  • Access to excellent facilities and resources
  • Full training and support
  • Opportunity for personal and professional development
  • Full-time permanent position based in Harrogate (37.5hrs/week)
  • Highly competitive benefits package.
    Package:
    The successful candidates can expect to receive a highly competitive package including:
    Private Health care
    Life assurance
    Permanent Health Insurance
    Employee Assistance Programme
    Flexitime working (after probatory period)
    Quarterly Bonus
    Enhanced Maternity/Paternity
    Company pension plan – with the option of AVC matched up to 8%
    23 days annual leave + statutory holidays
    Cycle to Work Scheme
    Eye Test/Glasses Contributions
    Benefits Hub
    Refer a Friend Scheme - £500 each (subject to NI/Tax Deductions)
    Free Parking
    Birthday Voucher
    Company funded charitable working (3 days per annum)
    Regular staff pick-me-ups and social events
    If you believe that this position has "your name on it" then please send me your CV as soon as possible.
    My client is looking to interview and appoint in the near future

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Development Technologist

Materials Engineer

Graduate Sustainability Engineer

Senior Scientist - Innovation

Research And Development Engineer

Senior R&D Chemist

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Materials Science Job Interview Warm‑Up: 30 Real R&D & Project‑Design Questions

The field of materials science sits at the crossroads of chemistry, physics, and engineering, shaping the future of technologies ranging from aerospace alloys and semiconductors to sustainable packaging and biomedical implants. As new materials emerge to meet evolving global challenges—like better battery storage, lighter automotive parts, and innovative biomaterials—materials scientists play a crucial role in driving scientific breakthroughs and product innovations. If you’re preparing for a materials science job interview, you can expect to face questions that span scientific fundamentals, research and development (R&D) methods, process engineering, analytical techniques, and collaborative project management. Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate an in-depth command of materials characterisation, synthesis processes, computational modelling, and the ability to convert lab-scale successes into commercially viable products. In this blog post, we’ll cover 30 real R&D & project-design questions frequently asked in materials science interviews. From fundamental characterisation principles to process design and scale-up challenges, these questions will help you sharpen your expertise and confidently tackle the wide range of topics that might emerge in a materials science interview. And if you’re ready to explore the latest UK opportunities in this field, visit www.materialssciencejobs.co.uk to discover a variety of roles that can lead you to an exciting new chapter in your career. Let’s delve into why thorough preparation is pivotal, what kinds of questions you may encounter, and how to stand out in a competitive materials science job market.

Negotiating Your Materials Science Job Offer: Equity, Bonuses & Perks Explained

How to Secure a Compensation Package That Matches Your Technical Mastery and Strategic Influence in the UK’s ML Landscape Introduction Materials science stands at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering—creating tangible solutions from the molecular level up. Whether pioneering novel alloys, designing advanced composites for aerospace, or innovating eco-friendly polymers, mid‑senior professionals in materials science often shape the foundation upon which entire industries are built. Unsurprisingly, companies eager to stay competitive in fields like renewable energy, healthcare, and high-performance manufacturing are willing to compete fiercely to attract this specialised talent. Yet, many materials science experts focus heavily on base salary when negotiating a new position. While salary is undoubtedly important, it’s only one aspect of a multi-dimensional compensation package. Beyond pay, employers often bundle together equity, performance bonuses, and unique perks to ensure they remain attractive—especially when the breakthroughs you create can be both patentable and transformational for product lines. This guide aims to equip you with the know-how to confidently negotiate a materials science job offer in the UK. From understanding different types of equity to recognising relevant perks that support your advanced research and development work, you’ll learn how to align compensation with your significant value. Let’s dive in.

Materials Science Jobs in the Public Sector: Opportunities Across Defence, Healthcare, and More

Materials science—an interdisciplinary field bridging chemistry, physics, and engineering—has been instrumental in driving innovation for centuries. From early metallurgical breakthroughs to the modern-day quest for sustainable polymers and advanced composites, materials science has remained at the heart of technological progress. Today, the UK public sector harnesses this expertise across numerous areas, from improving the resilience of national infrastructure to pioneering medical devices in the NHS. Consequently, materials science jobs are increasingly in demand within government agencies, research laboratories, and public service bodies. For professionals in materials science, the public sector presents unique opportunities: the chance to work on high-profile projects that directly impact society, access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, and a stable environment where scientific endeavours are closely tied to public welfare. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore why materials science is crucial for government and public bodies, highlight key organisations—such as the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the National Health Service (NHS), and research councils—and provide practical advice on the roles available, required skills, and application processes. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how you can leverage your expertise to pursue a meaningful career in materials science jobs within the UK public sector.