Polymer Compounding & Extrusion, Lead Scientist

We're collaborating with a mission-driven organisation to recruit a Polymer Compounding & Extrusion, Lead Scientist to develop and scale advanced polymer formulations and treated materials for a global insect control product portfolio.

You’ll be the scientific lead for formulation design, extrusion process optimisation, and treated material development, ensuring prototypes move smoothly from concept to pilot scale while meeting performance, quality, and regulatory requirements. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, supporting everything from material characterisation to scale-up and documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimise polymer-based insecticidal and biocidal formulations, including melt blends, masterbatches, and films.

• Conduct stability, compatibility, mechanical, and environmental testing to validate formulations and materials.

• Scale lab-developed formulations and treatments to pilot and production levels in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams.

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality systems and support regulatory submissions (WHO PQ, EPA, FDA) through high-quality documentation and data generation.

• Maintain robust traceability, documentation, and SOPs across all R&D and scale-up activities.

• Work cross-functionally with Product, Regulatory, Operations, and scientific teams to translate R&D outputs into viable products.

• Support supplier qualification, external testing, and material validation efforts.

• Mentor junior team members on formulation techniques, safety, and process control.

What You'll Bring:

•  MS or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.

•  5–7+ years of experience in formulation development, extrusion, or treated materials R&D (preferably with insecticidal, biocidal, or pharmaceutical actives).

•  Proven experience in polymer extrusion technologies.

•  Working knowledge of ISO 9001, and familiarity with WHO PQ, EPA, or FDA regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with material characterisation and performance testing.

• Excellent documentation, reporting, and cross-functional communication skills.

• Commitment to quality, safety, and sustainable product innovation.

Why this Role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development of next-generation polymer and treated material technologies that have real-world impact. You’ll combine hands-on scientific expertise with strategic problem-solving, working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where your innovations directly shape product performance, sustainability, and scale-up success.