Senior Research Chemist

Socode are proud to be partnering with a next-generation materials science company developing patented gel barrier technologies for animals —with human healthcare applications on the horizon! Based in the beating heart of Cambridge’s biotech and deeptech cluster, this company combines scientific excellence and product develop to bring new products to market fast!

You’ll be joining a purpose-driven R&D team where your work directly influences how life-changing products go from bench to real-world application. This is rare chance to shape the development of novel formulations from early-stage research through to pilot production and market deployment. You can expect to see your products go to market within 12-18 months!

What will I be doing?
You will lead and contribute to critical R&D activities supporting formulation, testing, and scale-up of their next-generation wound care solutions, with responsibilities including:

Formulation & Product Development

Design and optimise novel gel-based compositions using proprietary chemistry
Rapidly prototype and refine formulations for both lab-based and field testing
Collaborate with product and clinical specialists to align formulation performance with real-world requirementsAnalytical & Microbiological Testing

Conduct in vitro performance evaluations and contribute to antimicrobial efficacy testing
Apply a range of analytical methods to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties
Analyse data to inform formulation adjustments and product validationProcess & Scale-Up Development

Support the transition of lab-based formulations to pilot and manufacturing scale
Refine SOPs and contribute to process documentation for regulatory readiness
Investigate packaging solutions that enhance product usability and shelf-lifeInnovation & Strategy

Identify new IP opportunities and contribute to patent development
Conduct literature reviews and horizon scanning to inform future product development
Document research activities rigorously and contribute to team knowledge-sharingWhat do I need to be successful?
A PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience in product formulation)
Proven hands-on experience in chemical or biomaterial formulation in a lab environment
Skilled in analytical techniques - microbiological methods (training available)
Comfortable working from SOPs and maintaining high-quality lab documentation
Detail-focused, self-motivated, and passionate about turning science into real-world impact
A collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally in a small, agile team.Interested in the role? Then you can either:

1. Submit your CV by clicking ‘apply now’ – We know it might not be up to date. Send what you have and we’ll talk.
   
2. Connect with me on LinkedIn for an informal chat – Mo Baker at Socode