R&D Technician (Part-Time or Full-Time)
Woven Bio | Sustainable Materials
Location: Near Dorking, Surrey
Woven Bio is building the UK’s leading platform for bio-based materials and circular manufacturing — transforming natural fibres, including pineapple, cellulose, wool and other agricultural by-products, with bio-based binders into high-performance composites. Our technology replaces fossil-based materials across packaging, mobility, interiors and advanced composites, combining sustainable materials with scalable, automated manufacturing.
We are looking for a part-time (with an option for full-time) R&D Technician to support hands-on materials development at our R&D facility near Dorking, Surrey.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys making, experimenting, and working with natural materials — fibres, substrates, resins, binders, moulds and presses. You’ll be part of a fast-moving environment where new materials are developed, tested and scaled.
Role Responsibilities
You’ll work closely with our materials and process engineering leads to:
- Prepare natural fibre and binders
- Operate growth chambers, drying systems and small-scale production equipment
- Run pressing, moulding and composite lamination trials
- Carry out mechanical, thermal and acoustic tests
- Maintain lab equipment, record datasets and support process optimisation
- Assist with prototypes for packaging, construction and automotive applications
- Support documentation for Innovate UK projects, IP filings and quality systems
Who This Suits
Someone who is:
- Practical, hands-on, and comfortable working with tools and materials
- Curious about bio-based materials, circular manufacturing, and sustainability
- Detail-oriented and reliable
- Able to follow repeatable lab / pilot production processes
- Happy working in a small, collaborative environment
- Based near Dorking, Surrey with ability to work on-site (2–3 days/week)
Previous experience in composites, materials science, lab work, or manufacturing is helpful — but a strong practical mindset and willingness to learn matter just as much.
Location & Hours
- Location: Woven Bio R&D Facility, near Dorking, Surrey
- Hours: Part Time (typically 16–40 hours/week, flexible)
- Start: Immediate start available
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to work at the forefront of natural fibre and binder materials
- Training on specialised equipment and production processes
- A role that can grow in scope as our ventures scale
- Exposure to packaging, construction, automotive and sustainability R&D
- Being part of a mission-driven organisation building next-generation, low-carbon materials
Pay: £26,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
