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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # R&D Scientist - Sustainable Coatings & Packaging Technologies - **Company:** Metalchemy - **Location:** London, UK - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Azure Machine Learning, Software Engineering - **Published:** June 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/x/39600916/ ## About the Role Essential PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Food Packaging, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomaterials, Coatings Science, or a related disciplineStrong experimental research experience gained through doctoral studies Experience in at least one of the following areas: Coatings and formulationsPolymer science and engineeringPackaging materialsFunctional surfacesBiomaterialsActive or antimicrobial packagingColloidal systems and dispersions Excellent scientific writing, reporting, and presentation skillsStrong data analysis and problem-solving abilitiesAbility to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneouslyExcellent communication and stakeholder engagement skillsInterest in translating scientific innovation into commercially successful products Highly Desirable Research focused on active packaging, food-contact materials, barrier coatings, antimicrobial technologies, bio-coatings, cellulose-based materials, or sustainable packagingExperience developing coatings, formulations, composites, functional materials, or advanced material systemsExperience with silver-based materials, antimicrobial additives, nanomaterials, colloids, dispersions, or surface-engineered materialsExperience working with paper-based packaging, fibre-based materials, biopolymers, compostable materials, synthetic polymers, or composite substratesKnowledge of food-contact regulations, packaging compliance, and food safety requirementsExperience with industrial collaborations, grant-funded research, publications, patents, or technology commercialisationExperience using Design of Experiments (DoE), statistical analysis, machine learning tools, or AI-enabled R&D workflows ## Description We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded PhD-level scientist with expertise in coatings, polymers, formulations, biomaterials, packaging materials, or related technologies to help develop the next generation of sustainable coating systems and functional materials. The primary focus of the role will be the development of technologies for food packaging and food-contact applications, with opportunities to contribute to healthcare and other industrial sectors as Metalchemy's technology platform expands. You will work across a broad range of materials and substrates including paper, fibre-based packaging, cellulose materials, biopolymers, compostable materials, synthetic polymers, composites, and coated materials. Working closely with senior scientists, customers, manufacturers, academic collaborators, and industry partners, you will play a key role in delivering customer projects, grant-funded innovation programmes, publications, patents, and commercially deployable technologies. This is a high-impact role offering significant responsibility, rapid professional development, and clear progression opportunities. Within your first year, you will be expected to contribute independently to research programmes, support multiple concurrent client and innovation projects, and become a trusted technical contributor across scientific, customer-facing, and collaborative activities. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to progressively take ownership of technology platforms, strategic customer projects, grant-funded programmes, and external partnerships while helping shape the future direction of Metalchemy's innovation pipeline. This role is designed for ambitious early-career scientists who want to grow rapidly within a high-growth technology company. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to take increasing ownership of technology platforms, customer projects, publications, patents, and funded innovation programmes, with progression based on performance, contribution, and business growth. Responsibilities Lead and deliver R&D programmes focused on sustainable coatings, food & packaging technologies, antimicrobial materials, and advanced material systems, generating high-quality scientific outputs that support customer projects, grant-funded innovation programmes, publications, intellectual property, and commercial deployment.Develop, optimise, and validate coatings, bio-coatings, formulations, composites, colloidal systems, and functional materials across a range of substrates including paper, fibre-based packaging, biopolymers, compostable materials, and synthetic polymers, ensuring scientific rigour and technical excellence throughout the development process.Manage and contribute to multiple concurrent customer, grant-funded, and internal innovation projects, delivering technical milestones, project objectives, reports, and experimental outputs to a high standard and within agreed timelines.Support customer projects through technical leadership, product validation, application development, trial design, data interpretation, and the preparation of technical deliverables that enable successful project outcomes and long-term customer relationships.Contribute to the preparation, delivery, and reporting of grant-funded programmes, collaborative R&D projects, and innovation funding applications, helping secure and successfully execute externally funded innovation activities.Prepare and deliver technical reports, customer presentations, scientific publications, conference papers, white papers, case studies, and dissemination materials, effectively communicating technical outcomes to scientific, industrial, and commercial audiences.Build strong relationships with customers, academic collaborators, manufacturers, research organisations, and industry partners while contributing to technology commercialisation, strategic partnerships, intellectual property generation, and the continued growth of Metalchemy. ## Related Videos - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Introduction to Azure Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/368-introduction-to-azure-machine-learning) - [The Innovation Formula: Fast Prototyping, Data Analysis, and Real User Insights](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1421-the-innovation-formula-fast-prototyping-data-analysis-and-real-user-insights) - [Data Analytics with Microsoft Fabric: End-to-End Use Case with Data Agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1547-data-analytics-with-microsoft-fabric-end-to-end-use-case-with-data-agents) ## Related Articles - [6 Emerging Technologies We’ll Learn About in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/381-6-emerging-technologies-we-ll-learn-about-in-2025) - [A Guide to Green Tech and Green IT Careers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/374-a-guide-to-green-tech-and-green-it-careers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Dev Digest 138 - Are you secure about this?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/486-dev-digest-138-are-you-secure-about-this) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers)