Research Scientist (Fibre Development) Grouse Fibres Limited Cambridge Cohort 6

About us

Grouse Fibre is an early-stage climate tech start-up pushing the boundaries of the future of materials. We have ambitious aims to build a fibre production platform that can valorise materials into useful fibres for a range of applications. In order to realise this goal, we're hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers who want to make a real tangible impact on the fields of material science and regenerative agriculture.

What will you do?

You'll be a key early hire working closely with the founding team to drive and scale the technical development, with a focus on product and the leap from lab to commercial demonstrator.

The ideal candidate will bring a broad materials or chemistry background and have previous experience building pilot projects from the ground up. You'll need to be comfortable operating across the business from hard science, process engineering, co-ordinating external contractors and practical hands-on expertise. You'll primarily be based at our workshop/office on a farm near Shipston-on-Stour. From time to time, you'll need to travel to support ongoing projects in Scotland and the East of England.

Responsibilities

Be the expert in fibre processing and lead on wet spinning
Generate plans for experiments and trials to support our R&D roadmap
Lead on the laboratory experimentation process and the generation of prototypes and samples
Work with customers to develop research plans for commission trials and then deliver the project in a timely and competent manner
Take responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory and workshop
Support on-going projects and collaborate with trial partners to evaluate materials on-site
Record and analyse data sets and disseminate results to your colleagues and stakeholders
Contribute to the overall success of the business which could include attending customer trials, writing grant applications and implementing ideas.
Qualifications and Experience

BSc in a science with a good academic record. We are open to the exact field of study but Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline would be an advantage.
Knowledgeable on novel material creation (ideally fibres) and developing laboratory experiments to create first-of-kind materials.
Experience in drafting patent applications and creating IP (or an interest in doing so).
Excellent IT literacy and and proficiency with spreadsheet software (Excel and Google Sheets).
Willingness to adapt your role to support the evolving needs of the business and take on additional tasks and responsibilities as become necessary (e.g. project management, marketing, on-site work).
Exceptional problem-solving abilities and creativity in addressing design challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for innovation and lean design solutions.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams - including colleagues, external consultants, and customer-stakeholders - ensuring ideas and solutions are shared and refined collaboratively.
Highly self-motivated, adaptable and able to manage varied and rapidly evolving project priorities and workload.
A passion for sustainability and a strong desire to contribute positively towards addressing the Climate Emergency.
Demonstrable experience in polymer processing and formation (Desirable). Hands-on experience in synthesis or production will be an advantage.
Delivery of externally funded projects i.e Innovate UK. ESPRC, Horizon2020 (Desirable)
Experience of working within an early stage start-up (Desirable)
Experience of professional horticulture and growing media (Desirable)

EDI

Grouse Fibre is committed to promoting equal opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively seek to attract and retain a diverse workforce as we believe that diversity drives innovation, enhances collaboration, and enables us to better understand and meet the needs of our employees, clients, and stakeholders. Therefore, we actively encourage applications from individuals with characteristics that are underrepresented in the construction industry.

Application

If you meet the above criteria, please send a CV to us through the C13 platform. If you are a potential fit for the business we will follow-up with some questions and arrange a call.

Tagged as: materials, polymer science