Lead Research Scientist

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct experimental research programmes to develop new and existing products that meet market and customer needs.  

• Apply advanced technical knowledge to solve complex scientific challenges and respond to technical enquiries 

• Act as an authority in technical knowledge to design, execute, and oversee laboratory experiments and plant trials, ensuring scientific rigour and alignment with project goals.  

• Translate business and project objectives into actionable research plans for yourself and team, managing timelines and resources effectively.  

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to scientists, supporting their development through coaching, feedback, and performance management.  

• Communicate technical findings through clear, tailored reports and presentations for internal and external audiences, including customers and industry stakeholders.  

• Collaborate with and influence commercial, regulatory, and operational teams to support product scale-up, launch, and lifecycle management.  

• Proactively identify opportunities for new research projects, product innovations, and process improvements.  

• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards across all laboratory and pilot-scale activities.  

• Ensure effective communication and strong relationships with sales and marketing teams, keeping them informed of project progress and technical developments.  

• Act as a role model and senior member of the local R&D team to promote a collaborative and inclusive team culture, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-functional engagement. 

Requirements

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry synthesis with 2 to 4 years post-doc or relevant working experience working on carbohydrate synthesis.
  
• Evidence of publication in relevant areas, preferably with translation into industrially relevant material.
  
• Proven ability to work and influence in a collaborative, dynamic and highly matrixed environment that involves cross functional and cross regional teams.
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  Preferably with experience in setting up a synthesis laboratory and able to build business case for CAPEX submissions