Senior R&D Scientist

Cranleigh STEM are partnering exclusively with a mission-driven R&D organisation developing next-generation technologies for recovering high-value materials from complex industrial waste. Their work supports the shift toward circular resource use and sustainable materials processing.

This is a rare opportunity to join a small, highly technical research team in a hands-on experimental role, helping to shape a new extraction platform at the intersection of inorganic chemistry, sustainability and process innovation.

Senior R&D Scientist
Location: London (Zone 1–2)
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 | Full-time, Permanent

The Role

You will design and run laboratory experiments focused on the extraction, separation and purification of metals from heterogeneous feedstocks. Responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing solution-based extraction and separation experiments

• Investigating leaching behaviour, speciation and process variables

• Characterising materials using ICP-OES, XRD, SEM-EDX, XRF and related tools

• Optimising conditions for improved yield, selectivity and purity

• Producing clear technical documentation and sharing results across the team

• Supporting SOP development, lab workflows and safety standards

• Informally guiding 1–2 junior researchers

About You

Essential:

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy or related discipline

• Strong hands-on wet-chemistry or hydrometallurgical experience

• Experience with metals, inorganic systems or complex waste feedstocks

• Proficiency with ICP, XRD, XRF, SEM-EDX

• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting and data interpretation skills

• Excellent safety awareness and documentation practice

Desirable:

• Experience with mixed-metal systems, E-waste, battery materials or mineral processing

• Knowledge of ionic liquids, solvent extraction or alternative leaching approaches

• Exposure to early-stage or evolving R&D environments

Why Apply?

• Work on a novel extraction platform in an emerging clean-materials landscape

• Solve complex chemistry challenges with real sustainability impact

• Stay fully hands-on while operating at a senior level

• High visibility and technical ownership in a growing, innovation-driven team

To learn more, apply within or reach out directly with your CV [email protected]