Keracol is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, scientist to join us as a Scientific Research and Development Manager. The successful candidate will provide project management of the portfolio of R&D activities in Keracol, working with CTO Professor Richard Blackburn and the research team. The right person will be responsible for prioritisation of researcher work streams, developing Scopes of Work and project costings, working with external partners in a commercial setting, leading client projects and client-facing activities, and reporting and producing project KPIs to the Board and CEO. They will also be an experienced scientist who can provide technical support and contribute to scientific research to all Keracol R&D projects. This is a permanent position with 3-months’ probation.
Our company. Keracol is a spin-out company from The University of Leeds. Our core value is sustainability with performance. We combine high-end physical science with innovative applications to produce natural and sustainable hair dyes, colour cosmetics, hair care, skin care and sun care products. Our expertise spans organic chemistry, colour chemistry, polymer chemistry, extraction technology, effect assessment, coloration technology, and natural products chemistry. Keracol develops novel approaches to the extraction of active molecules from plant sources, and fractionating and purifying them for multiple applications, both existing and novel. We use renewable materials and waste materials as sources of extracts, and are able to produce extracts from raw materials that do not compete with land for food crops. Our extracts are formulated in consumer beauty products providing solutions to unmet needs, as there is a huge consumer demand for products containing natural and renewable ingredients. We work with multinational partners on research projects and products for Keracol’s own products.
Keracol is a growing business and as we expand, we will reward the loyalty of employees with excellent opportunities within the company. The position is offered with an attractive salary, a company shares scheme, and a comfortable work environment.
Keracol’s laboratory and office are located in Nexus (nexusleeds.co.uk), a £40m state-of-the-art building located on The University of Leeds campus.
Salary will be £45,000 to £50,000+ dependent on qualifications and experience.
Closing date 31/05/2025, but early applications are strongly encouraged.
Applications should include a full CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification using this LinkedIn Job Application Submission Process. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Keracol is unable to sponsor any existing or new visa applications. This position is only open to British and Irish citizens, along with individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or those who have the right to work in the UK without needing a visa.
Key Requirements
Essential
* Experience in project management in both small and larger teams.
* Experience in developing Scopes of Work, project costings, project reporting and producing KPIs.
* Monitoring information on workload allocation and project prioritisation and resourcing.
* Providing technical support and scientific contributions to commercial R&D projects.
* Experience working with external partners in a commercial setting and leading client projects and client-facing activities.
* Experience in reporting and producing project KPIs to the Board and CEO.
* Experience in developing / nurturing a collective of partners (supply chain/raw material/ecosystem) to enable R&D projects to be delivered.
* Experience in building networks (suppliers and technical resources).
* Experience in leading certifications and/or grant applications.
Desirable experience in one or more of the following areas
* Experience filing safety assessments.
* Experience in the development, optimisation and scale-up of plant material extraction processes and associated testing, and data analysis.
* Development and optimisation of formulations for commercial applications in hair coloration, skin care and hair care.
* Experience in assessing sustainability metrics of processes and products.
* Experience of stability testing and performance testing of ingredients in formulations as well as external testing.
* Conducting analytical chemistry work required for the analysis of chemicals and materials involved in research projects.
* Critically interpret experimental data and identify quality improvement opportunities.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
* At least Masters-level degree in an appropriate science- or engineering-based degree.
* Experience in project development, costing and management.
* Qualifications or certifications in project management.
* Research experience in a commercial R&D laboratory setting.
* Clear understanding of laboratory safety procedures, e.g. COSHH and risk assessments.
* Creative problem solver.
* Solid teamwork, presentation and interpersonal skills
* Ability to meet deadlines.
* Proven ability to communicate results of research effectively, through oral and written media to a high standard.
* Chemical production and scale-up experience.
* Experience in the use of advanced analytical techniques, including HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis, FT-IR, MS.
* Potential to be innovative and generate and deliver on new ideas.
* Experience in natural product extraction, purification, separation and characterisation technologies.
* Knowledge of sustainability and green chemistry principles.
* Experience of working in an industrial environment.
* Business knowledge and acumen within a relevant industry.