NPD Scientist – Hair & Scalp Care

NPD Scientist required on a permanent basis in Manchester. Requiring a postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline such as Chemistry, Biotechnology, Cosmetic Science or similar. Experience within hair or scalp care is highly advantageous, along with an interest in active ingredient innovation, performance validation and commercialisation.

Title: NPD Scientist – Hair & Scalp Care

Location: Manchester

Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Term: Permanent

SRG are working with a highly innovative company who have been creating speciality products for a range of markets, including personal care and cosmetics, for over 30 years. As they expand their research and development capability, they are now seeking a NPD Scientist to join their technical team. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in the creation of next‑generation active ingredients, supporting projects from early‑stage concept through to commercial readiness. The successful candidate will work at the interface of chemistry, biotechnology and applied science, contributing directly to the development of differentiated, market‑ready solutions within hair and scalp care applications. This role would suit a scientifically driven individual who enjoys hands‑on laboratory work, problem solving and translating research into tangible commercial outcomes.

Benefits: You will join an innovative, science‑led organisation with a long‑standing track record in ingredient innovation. 37.5 working hours/week, 8.30am and 4.40pm, Mon-Fri. Excellent company pension, with 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory bank holidays.

Role / Description

• Contributing to the ideation and development of new functional actives aligned with business and market objectives
• Developing laboratory‑scale production routes using chemical, biological or bio‑derived methodologies
• Refining and improving processes to enhance consistency, efficiency and suitability for scale‑up
• Assessing ingredient performance through experimental data, literature review and external testing where required
• Supporting the transition of projects from laboratory development into pilot and manufacturing environments
• Working closely with formulation, quality and commercial teams to ensure technical viability and application fit
• Preparing clear technical documentation, reports and data summaries to support decision‑making and launches
• Maintaining accurate experimental records and adhering to laboratory, quality and safety standards

Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline such as chemistry, biotechnology, cosmetic science or a related field
• Industrial experience within product development, ingredient research or applied R&D
• Background in working with natural, bio‑derived or functional ingredients is advantageous
• Experience supporting scale‑up, process transfer or cross‑departmental development projects is beneficial

For more information please call Chris Beckenham on 0161 667 1795.

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