1. OUR MISSION:
Promoting a future that is nature-inspired. We are a sustainable material science company dedicated to developing innovative materials that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Sparxell’s products are sustainably designed to overcome the challenges associated with synthetic and unethically-sourced pigments.
Redesigning the way colours are made. Sparxell developed the world's first performance pigment from plants, inspired by nature, using cellulose as feedstock and nanostructured in a wide range of vibrant shades. Our mission is to make all colourants nature-positive. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. It has been awarded several major innovation prizes, validating Sparxell’s ambitions to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint and food.
2. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
As a key member of our R&D and production team, you will use your scientific and engineering expertise to optimise Sparxell’s cellulose based formulation for applications in different industries.
Your main tasks will involve:
- Proposing, conceptualising, and experimenting with cellulose formulation and chemistry to improve product quality, yield and scalability.
- Planning and leading R&D projects that align with the company's business goals, timelines and budgets, with our Head of R&D.
- Characterising materials and interpreting data to iteratively improve formulation and products.
- Reporting and documenting for internal and external needs.
- Maintaining an overview ofIP development and protection.
- Representing the company in scientific conferences, meetings, and other events.
3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS:
We are looking for a talented formulation scientist with outstanding skills in one or more of the following fields:
- Organic chemistry, extraction and reaction on natural molecules.
- Chemical modification and functionalisation of polysaccharides or other natural polymers.
- Lignocellulosic bio-refinery, pre-treatment and extraction, processes such as acid hydrolysis, acid recycling, and oxidation.
- Formulation of natural molecules, polysaccharides or other natural polymers.
- Natural molecule characterisation e.g. microscopy, spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, rheology, X-Ray, NMR, TEM and AFM.
You hold a Ph.D. or an M.Sc./M.Eng./B.Sc degree in polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, soft matter physics, colloidal science, materials science, organic chemistry or chemical engineering, with at least 3 years of relevant academic and/or industrial experience.
You aspire to work collaboratively with a team of scientists and engineers while being independent.
You are adaptive, open to feedback and new approaches, and proactive insolving challenging problems.
You have a goal-oriented and strategic mindset to ensure the successful delivery of projects and adhere to the long-term vision for the company's development efforts.
You are keen to engage in a fast-paced and exciting working environment in which you will play a decisive role in the company’s future success.
You communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, for internal/external discussion and for documenting and reporting your work. Your command of English is very good, and you may be fluent in another language.
4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS:
Deadline for application: 21th of September 2026.
Contract: Full-time permanent contract with career advancement and opportunities.
Starting: When available.
Location: Cambridge, UK, with international mobility and flexible working arrangements.
Estimated remuneration: Starting from £ 38k with early employee equity package.
Right to work in the UK: We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working with us. Therefore, if you still need to get the right to work in the UK, any offer of employment will be conditional upon you gaining this right.
References: Offers of appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.
5. CONSIDERING JOINING OUR TEAM?
If you want to join our endeavour, please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected]. Please name your documents as JobID_Forename Surname_CV or CL for faster internal processing. With these two mandatory documents, feel free to add any miscellaneous material supporting your application.
Our company is committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. We encourage women, people of colour, of all ages, individuals with disabilities, gender-expansive individuals and LGBTQ+ candidates, and other under-represented minorities to apply to this position.
Every applications will be reviewed but we will only notify applications moving to the interview stage.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee stock purchase plan
- UK visa sponsorship
Education:
Work Location: In person
