About Impact Solutions:
Impact Solutions is a UKAS accredited laboratory and innovation centre - we have a long consistent thread of innovation and new technology development within the areas of waste valorisation, recycling and sustainability, spanning over 20 years.
Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative new products and processes.
Impact Solutions has an exciting opportunity to join the Polymers and Advanced Materials Innovations Team within the Impact Technology Centre (ITC) based at the Kirkton Campus in Livingston.
The opportunity:
The team is focused on the development of disruptive processes, products and IP under the umbrella of Polymers and Advanced Materials. These can range from delivery of new services to our customer base to spinning out and leading new companies. We are looking for a talented and motivated individual with a strong scientific background in materials/polymer chemistry to develop and support the growth of our innovations department.
As a key member of the Polymers and Advanced Materials research team, you will be expected to support our programmes of experimental work in areas spanning smart-polymer synthesis, nanomaterials, biodegradation and novel chemical reactors. As well as this you will have the opportunity to develop new innovations projects, applying for funding and helping to lead the next generation of polymer innovation.
The successful applicant must have a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related scientific discipline with strong applied technical know-how. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and meticulous organisation.
The core role:
- Ensure Compliance: Maintain consistent adherence to Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) protocols, quality standards, and best practices, ensuring full documentation for all activities.
- Conduct laboratory experimental work: Perform day-to day work in a professional lab environment, using your knowledge and training to develop and implement experimental protocols.
- Collaborate with Team: Work closely with the wider Innovations team, proactively communicating any issues, challenges, or potential problems to ensure timely resolution.
- Document and Report Results: Maintain clear, well-organized records of technical data, experimental methodologies, calculations, and software usage. Prepare comprehensive reports to present findings in a clear and concise format.
- Data Interpretation: Analyse and interpret test results autonomously, translating complex data into actionable insights and recommendations for internal teams or clients.
- Problem-Solving & Solutions: Identify and propose potential solutions to technical challenges, offering advice or recommendations when required or proactively initiating solutions.
- Networking: Build, maintain a network of relevant external stakeholders, customers, partners, research organisations and authorities. Help to represent the Innovations group and lobby for projects and future developments.
- Time Management: Demonstrate effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, ensuring laboratory operations remain on schedule.
- Contribute: You will be expected to contribute to roundtable sessions and be able to constructively discuss and express articulated ideas.
Our ideal candidate
- Motivated & Proactive: A highly motivated, dynamic individual with a strong focus on achieving objectives and a keen attention to detail.
- Experience: Proven 2–3-year hands-on experience in a laboratory/industry setting, with a solid understanding of a wide range of laboratory equipment, techniques, and procedures. A PhD candidate is desired but equivalent industrial experience will be considered.
- Laboratory Skills: Experience in chemical synthesis, including core characterization techniques particularly of polymers and materials analysis.
- Strong Communication & Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team and influence decision-making processes.
- Scientific Knowledge: Solid understanding of scientific literature and research methodologies, with the ability to apply this knowledge to practical laboratory work. An Ideal candidate would also have experience in searching patents for existing technologies and be able to adapt to their findings.
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Capable of making sound, reasoned judgments and presenting findings to a diverse audience with varying levels of expertise. You will be expected to present technical results and align your experimental planning with innovations strategy and business needs.
- IT Proficiency: Proficient in the use of standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and data analysis tools to support laboratory functions and report generation. A successful candidate should have no problem delivering graphical data and experimental reports worthy of publication to the scientific community.
- Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational abilities, with the capability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Desirable experience:
With the breadth of projects and work within the team, a variety of scientific backgrounds will be considered. Experience in any of the areas below would be beneficial, but not essential.
· Controlled release materials
· Electrospinning
· Building custom rigs/experimental setups
· Data and statistical analysis
· Coding and machine learning
Applications should be made via Indeed with a CV and cover letter explaining your relevant experience and a proposal for developing the Innovations team.
Note that the application deadline is 14/08/2026, but we may close the application early if a suitable candidate is found.
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
