Associate Scientist

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 30TH AUGUST AT 12:00

ABOUT US

Modern Synthesis is a biotech company bringing life to new materials. Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, we work with bacteria to produce an entirely new class of nanocellulose-based materials, which deliver performance without plastics and aesthetics without animal inputs. Designed for applications within fashion and beyond, our 100% biobased materials not only displace animal leathers or plastic-based materials, but also generate entirely new textile possibilities for designers. You can read more about our technology on our website.

We believe that big magic happens when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide. As a team of biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, and microbes, we get to witness this magic on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome 🌶️) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.

We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you a creative and forward-thinking scientist looking to innovate in the field of smart, sustainable textiles? We are seeking a Chemist/Materials Scientist to join our R&D team to develop next-generation, functional biomaterials based on bacterial cellulose. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate and network with world-leading academics and present your work at industry conferences. As a key member of our science team, you’ll engage in cutting-edge R&D to shape the future of sustainable biomaterials technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare biopolymer materials with stimuli-responsive functions, leveraging your creativity and technical expertise

• Perform a variety of wet-lab tasks which may include:

  • Preparing biopolymer formulations (including combinations with natural plasticizers, humectants, reinforcing fillers, and other additives)

  • Functionalizing cellulose via cross-linking or conjugation techniques

  • Synthesising or formulating functional polymers into textiles

• Perform material testing & analysis, including:

  • Mechanical testing (e.g., stress-strain/Young’s Modulus)

  • Evaluating colour/shape

  • Characterisation of functional textiles

  • Assessing colour fastness, abrasion resistance, and more

• Record, analyse, interpret, and present experimental data to the team and advisors

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters Degree in Chemistry/Materials Science (or related discipline) or Undergraduate Degree with 1-2 years of work experience

• Experience in one of the following areas: biopolymer formulations, functional textiles, wearable technology/sensors, stimuli-responsive polymers, or a related field

• Hands-on experience in a wet-laboratory setting

• Self-motivated with a passion for learning, development, and sustainability

• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders, both written and verbal

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The following skills and experience are not required for the role, but would be beneficial for a successful applicant:

• Knowledge of cellulose chemistries

• Knowledge of textile processing, chemistries, and finishing

• Design of electronic sensors

• Understanding of coding methods/Python

• 3D printing (e.g., FDM)

• Microbiology or experience culturing bacterial cell lines

BENEFITS

• Company pension scheme

• Private health insurance

• Private dental insurance

• Enhanced parental leave policy

• Hybrid working arrangements

• Flexible working hours

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• Headspace subscription

• Access to state-of-the-art testing and analytical facilities

• Training budget for professional development, including access to LinkedIn Learning

OUR VALUES

Co-Culture – We Co-Culture Change

Co-Culture reflects our commitment to cross-pollination internally and externally, our ability to lean on one another, and our role as a catalyst in both business and culture.

Growth – We Put Growth on a Pedestal

Growth speaks to our inspiration and creative use of biology, our bias towards impact and scale, and our dedication to empowering industry to ‘grow up’ from a harmful past.

By Design – We Do It All By Design

By Design articulates the intentionality, empathy and creativity built into every aspect of our work. It also denotes the importance of accountability and our adherence to core design thinking principles.

OUR HIRING PROCESS

Round 0. Apply online and submit link(s) to your portfolio of work.

Round 1. 30 minute exploratory phone interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis

Round 2. 1 hour panel interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. This will take place in our Balham office, and will include an office tour as well as an opportunity to meet some of your future colleagues.

MODERN SYNTHESIS ED&I STATEMENT

Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. The greatest ideas stem from a variety of perspectives, and an environment that supports equal representation and opportunities for all.

We are committed to driving global change. We only have one planet we all call home, and we need to work together to protect it. We believe in collaboration and a culture of debate. Disagreements are a chance to refocus our direction. We call this co-culture.

We welcome people of all races, genders, religions, ages, backgrounds, and abilities to our workplace and are committed to ensuring all our employees are safe, heard, represented and provided with every opportunity to thrive.

Equally we will act with integrity, purpose and respect in everything we do. We too are human. We will likely make mistakes and need to continue evolving our approach to ED&I as the world around us changes.