About the job

Research Scientists – Colloid Science (Pharmaceuticals & Formulated Products)Sedgefield | Permanent | £26,939 – £41,000

About the RoleWe are recruiting for two Research Scientists to join an established Colloid Science team, supporting the development of innovative formulations across a diverse range of sectors. These appointments will support projects spanning Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, FMCG, Home & Personal Care, Food, Agritech, and Advanced Materials.

Rather than recruiting separately, we are running a single campaign and will appoint candidates at either Research Scientist 1 or Research Scientist 2 level depending on experience and, technical capability, and the strength of the shortlisted candidates.

One successful hire will predominantly focus on pharmaceutical and healthcare formulation projects, including areas such as nanomedicines and other, drug delivery systems, and automated liquid handling technologies. The second will support a wider range of formulation projects across FMCG and formulated product sectors, including food, home and personal care, coatings, and agritech.

This is an excellent opportunity for scientists who enjoy combining laboratory experimentation, formulation development, problem solving, and customer-focused innovation projects.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, plan, and execute formulation and colloid science experiments.
• Support the development, optimisation, and characterisation of complex formulations.
• Analyse, interpret, and communicate technical data and experimental findings.
• Maintain accurate scientific records and technical documentation.
• Present project results internally and externally where required.
• Contribute to pilot-scale experimental activities and technology development programmes.
• Support business development, proposal writing, and customer-facing project activities.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver commercial and collaborative R&D projects.
• For a Research Scientist 2, support business development, proposal writing, and customer-facing project activities.

About You:We are interested in candidates from a range of experience levels.

Research Scientist 1:

Typically suited to graduates or early-career scientists who are keen to develop expertise in formulation and colloid science.

• You may have:A BSc or MSc in:Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Formulation Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• A related scientific discipline

Practical laboratory experience gained through university projects, placements, internships, or industry.An interest in formulation technologies and product development.

Research Scientist 2:

Typically suited to individuals with a PhD with relevant industry experience.

You may have:

• A PhD or equivalent industrial experience in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience in formulation development, colloid science, or product development.
• The ability to work independently on complex technical challenges.
• Experience delivering scientific projects and collaborating across teams.

Particularly Relevant BackgroundsWe would be especially interested in candidates who have experience in:

• Pharmaceutical FormulationPharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Product Development
• Nanomedicines
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Liquid Handling Automation
• Complex Healthcare Products

• Formulated ProductsHome & Personal Care Formulations
• Food and Beverage Formulation
• Agritech Products
• Coatings and Surface Technologies
• Emulsions, Suspensions, Dispersions, and Soft Matter Systems

A strong understanding of colloid science is particularly desirable regardless of sector background.

• What We're Looking ForDegree-qualified in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong experimental and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret technical data.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest in working across a variety of commercial and collaborative R&D projects.
• Evidence for underpinning skills in colloid science, with enthusiasm for further learning and developing expertise.
• For a Research Scientist 2, experience of product formulation within the relevant domain for each role (pharmaceuticals or other formulated products).

• SalaryAppointments will be made at the most appropriate level based on experience and capability.Research Scientist 1: £26,939 – £34,939
• Research Scientist 2: £33,727 – £41,000

The OpportunityWhether you're a recent MSc graduate looking to build a career in formulation science or a PhD-qualified researcher with specialist expertise, this is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects spanning pharmaceuticals, healthcare, formulated products, and advanced materials.

1. You'll join a team working on real-world innovation challenges, developing new formulations and technologies that help bring next-generation products to market.