Process Chemist/Engineer to help with the scale-up of a sustainable biomaterial
Role: Process Chemist/Engineer to help with the scale-up of a sustainable biomaterial
What we do at Arda?
We create biomaterials from waste feedstocks, and we’ve started with creating a leather-like material made from beer. The waste from the beer-brewing process is normally fed to cows and pigs. Instead of using animals, we craft a novel plant-based, plastic‑free material directly.
Why?
Leather isn’t a by-product; it subsidises one of the most polluting industries on the planet. Many leather tanneries use toxic chemicals that harm ecosystems. Current leather alternatives contain plastic, contributing to landfill and micro‑plastic pollution. The market for leather alternatives is projected to hit $100 Billion by 2030. Industries such as fashion, automotive, and home upholstery are looking for non‑plastic, affordable solutions – that’s where we come in.
How?
We combine waste grain with protein manipulation, chemistry, and material science to invent a new material to replace leather.
Why do we need your help?
We are looking for a process chemist/engineer to join the Arda team and help scale our material from lab‑scale to production scale. You will formulate material for roll‑to‑roll production and coordinate with external partners.
Responsibilities
* Work with and manage relationships with external manufacturing partners
* Modify formulations (rheology) for roll‑to‑roll production
* Coordinate with the R&D team to implement new formulations or production techniques
* Work with R&D and production teams to produce sheets of material
* Assess feasibility and outline the path toward full‑scale manufacturing
Job Requirements
* 3+ years of experience as a process chemist or engineer (or relevant)
* Good knowledge of formulation techniques, rheology, and simple manufacturing processes; experience with solvent‑casting or tape‑casting
* Ability to build relationships with external partners
* Can work independently with minimal supervision
* Willingness to learn and pick up new techniques without direct training
* Advanced degree (Masters, PhD) or industry experience (start‑ups or polymer/textile manufacturing) is a plus
* Ready to work on‑site in Bermondsey, UK
* Will travel abroad for short periods
What we offer in return
* A competitive salary based on experience
* Stock options
* The chance to be one of the first employees in a fast‑growing company
* Freedom to innovate and develop new ideas
* Opportunities for professional development (chartership)
Location
64‑66 Gedling Place, Bermondsey, London UK.
How to apply
To apply, fill out this Google Docs Form: https://forms.gle/Z1vwRcMbiGW48ZsP6. We will then be in touch for the next steps. This position starts between February and April, but can be flexible with regard to work notice/schedule.
A bit about us and our journey
We are a start‑up based in Bermondsey, London developing biomaterials for the circular economy. Bermondsey hosts the famous ‘Beer Mile’ and the historic leather tanning district – we’re transforming brewery waste into an alternative leather. Our 500 m² lab, office and production facility are along the beer mile. Arda was founded in summer 2022 and has raised £1.1 M pre‑seed (2023) and £4 M seed (2025).
Our take on diversity
Arda is an equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all applications equally, regardless of race, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, background, marital status, disability or gender identity. We actively encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups in the materials space to apply.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Textile Manufacturing
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