Our client is an innovative and technically driven organisation operating at the forefront of bio-polymeric and sustainable materials development. With a strong focus on advanced polymer science, regulatory compliance, and quality excellence, they support a growing customer base across food-contact and performance-critical applications. As part of continued growth, they are seeking a Scientific Officer to support research, quality, and regulatory activities. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative, science led environment where technical expertise, curiosity, and continuous improvement are actively encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct routine and project-based materials testing, including Melt Flow Index (MFI), disintegration and degradation testing, and food-contact compliance testing.
- Analyse, interpret, and report test data clearly through technical and scientific documentation.
- Carry out and interpret physical and mechanical testing such as tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, density, and thermal performance testing (e.g. HDT, Vicat).
- Assess dimensional and thermal stability of materials.
- Evaluate structure-property relationships and link material performance to formulation and processing conditions.
- Support benchmarking, qualification, troubleshooting, and failure analysis activities.
- Manage and maintain ISO registration (e.g. ISO 9001 and other relevant standards).
- Ensure laboratory and operational activities are compliant with ISO and internal quality requirements.
- Prepare for and coordinate internal and external audits.
- Maintain SOPs, quality documentation, CAPA records, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support risk assessments and quality system development.
- Provide technical support to polymer compounding and processing activities, including formulation development and optimisation.
- Offer input on material performance, processing behaviour, and scale up considerations.
- Work closely with R&D, production, and quality teams to support development and commercialisation activities.
- Support regulatory compliance for bio-polymeric materials, particularly food contact legislation and biodegradation/disintegration standards.
- Assist with preparation of technical dossiers, regulatory submissions, and customer-facing documentation.
- Support the use of AI and data driven tools in polymer development and materials optimisation.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to digital data management and traceability systems.
Candidate Profile
- Strong technical background in polymer science and polymeric material behaviour.
- Hands on experience with physical, mechanical, and thermal testing of polymers.
- Familiarity with MFI, degradation, disintegration, and food contact testing methods.
- Experience managing or supporting ISO quality management systems and audits.
- Understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to bio-polymeric and food contact materials.
- Knowledge of polymer compounding and processing is advantageous.
- Analytical, detail oriented, and highly organised with strong documentation skills.
- Comfortable working collaboratively across scientific, quality, and operational teams.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward thinking organisation working at the forefront of bio polymeric materials and sustainable technologies. The role offers exposure to advanced materials development, quality and regulatory frameworks, and the chance to make a meaningful technical contribution within a collaborative, science led team.