Chemist/Materials Scientist

Overview

Are you motivated by the prospect of applying your theoretical knowledge and experimental excellence to real-world engineering challenges? Join our team of talented scientists, mathematicians and engineers to develop future leading-edge systems. If you have a passion for innovation and technology, we can offer a rich variety of technical challenges and opportunities for personal development.

Chemistry and Materials Science are core capabilities at Cambridge Consultants, and we are looking for a Chemist/Materials Scientist who can apply their skills to a wide range of engineering challenges and are excited by the prospect of being at the forefront of bringing skills from chemistry and materials to product developments.

Examples of recent work undertaken include:

• Research and design for liquid nitrogen repelling ultra-low energy surfaces for superconductor cooling in next-generation subsea energy transmission systems.
• Design, simulation and testing of ultrasonic transducers for novel sensing systems in extreme environments.
• Experimental design and execution to support development of microwave systems, including industrial drying processes and determination of dielectric properties of molten rocks at GHz frequencies.
• Techno-commercial due diligence services for a global investment fund to support their expansion into NextGen energy transition and sustainability infrastructure, including battery technologies, mineral extraction, high value recycling and hydrogen production.
• Analysis and prototyping to address complex chemistry and materials challenges for medical products, such as inkjet printing onto microneedle arrays and in-situ modification of material properties using a femtosecond laser.

What you’ll be doing:

• Designing and executing experimental programmes to investigate complex chemistry and materials science challenges.
• Applying scientific knowledge to support the development of cutting-edge technologies across sectors including energy, healthcare, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
• Planning, conducting and interpreting laboratory testing, analysis and characterisation activities.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, scientists and commercial teams to translate technical findings into practical engineering solutions.
• Use modelling, simulation and analytical techniques to inform product and system design decisions.
• Researching unfamiliar technical areas, rapidly assimilating new information to solve novel and multidisciplinary problems.
• Communicating complex technical concepts and results clearly to colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Contributing to the delivery of consultancy projects, helping clients make informed technical and commercial decisions.
• Supporting innovation from concept generation through to prototype development, testing and validation.

What you need to succeed:

• An excellent first degree and/or PhD in chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline.
• A broad understanding of a wide range of chemistry and materials principles, and an ability to identify their applicability to a variety of technical challenges.
• A desire to apply chemistry and materials science to real-world product developments, working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with working in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to work with engineering teams to select or model materials for specific applications.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and results clearly to colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• An enjoyment of hands-on practical science, combined with an ability to structure a technical plan appropriately to meet the wider commercial objectives of a project.

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option to buy 10 more a year)
• Company bonus (profit share)
• Flexible working patterns and hybrid working
• Medical insurance and group income protection
• Employee assistance programme and mental health support group
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• Sabbatical leave
• Travel insurance (business and leisure)
• Generous company pension plan
• Personalised career development and training plans
• Free breakfast and two-course lunch in the office every day
• Free onsite parking and we are close to public transport links
• A variety of events organised by our social committee, ranging from summer and Christmas parties to board game nights and socials at our own rooftop bar!

Why Cambridge Consultants?

At Cambridge Consultants, you'll contribute to radical, new-to-the-world innovation that transforms business, society and the planet. Joining our multidisciplinary teams means helping to turn bold ideas into reality, harnessing the power of deep tech to create products, services and experiences that have never existed before. Whether you're advancing technologies, shaping strategy, supporting operations or driving commercial growth, it's an opportunity to make a real impact and help create the future.