Job Description

1. OUR MISSION

Promoting a future that is nature-inspired.

We are an award-winning sustainable material science company dedicated to developing innovative materials that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Sparxell's products are sustainably designed to overcome the challenges associated with synthetic and unethically sourced pigments.

Redesigning how colours are made.

Sparxell's pioneering pigments are made with cellulose extracted from plants and nanostructured into a wide range of vibrant shades. Sparxell's patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. Our ambition is to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors that heavily rely on colour -- from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint, and food.

2. WHAT WE LOOK FOR

We are looking for a

Process Chemist

to join our

Scale-Up Team

. This role bridges R&D and Production, transforming laboratory pigment innovations into robust, efficient pilot-scale processes. Working in the Cambridge production lab, you will play a critical role in validating, optimising, and implementing Sparxell's pioneering colour technology on a scalable platform.

You will also contribute valuable technical insight toward the specification and commissioning of Sparxell's first industrial-scale production facility.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Process Development & Scale-Up

Translate

R&D pigment formulations and lab-scale methods into stable, reproducible pilot-scale processes. Plan and run

pilot-scale trials

to validate new methods.

Optimise

key process steps such as milling, drying, and dispersion for yield, performance, and efficiency. Identify, troubleshoot, and

resolve

process deviations or quality issues.

Process Validation & Improvement

Develop

and document pilot-scale SOPs and process parameters. Support the

validation

and handover of processes to production. Perform targeted

optimisation

experiments to improve throughput and reduce waste.

Collaborate

closely with R&D scientists to integrate new pigment systems into production.

Industrial Scale-Up & Technical Support

Contribute to defining process requirements and equipment specifications for the upcoming industrial plant. Support performance validation trials during plant start-up. Work cross-functionally with the Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure smooth scale-up transitions.

3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking a scientifically minded and hands-on

Process Chemist

with a passion for scaling up sustainable materials. You should enjoy working across the interface of chemistry, engineering, and production, bringing lab discoveries to life at pilot and industrial scales.

Qualifications & Experience

BSc/MSc/BEng/MEng (required) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field. Proven experience (3 years minimum) in process development, pilot-scale production, or materials manufacturing. Strong practical understanding of chemical or materials processing equipment (e.g., mills, mixers, dryers, reactors). Experience with scale-up challenges such as heat/mass transfer, mixing, or drying optimisation. Knowledge of cellulose, pigments, coatings, or bio-based materials is advantageous but not essential.

Experience & Skills We Value

Demonstrated ability to translate R&D findings into operational processes. Strong experimental design and data interpretation skills. Familiarity with process troubleshooting and optimisation methods. Experience with SOP development and process validation documentation. Excellent collaboration and communication skills across technical teams. A proactive, adaptable approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Profile

Hands-on, practical approach with scientific curiosity. Positive, adaptable, and self-motivated. Excellent attention to detail and sense of ownership. Team-oriented mindset with strong communication skills. Thrives in a dynamic start-up environment with evolving priorities.

4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS

Deadline for application:

14th Feb 2026

Contract:

Full-time permanent contract with opportunities for growth.

Starting:

When available.

Location:

Cambridge, UK, with flexible working arrangements.

Estimated remuneration:

35,000 - 50,000 depending on experience.

Other benefits:

Pension, private medical insurance & life insurance available.

Right to work in the UK:

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working with us. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon gaining this right.

References:

Offers of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.

5. FEELING LIKE JOINING OUR TEAM?

If you want to join our endeavours, please send your

CV and cover letter

to

careers@sparxell.com

.
Please name your documents as JobID_Forename Surname_CV or CL for faster internal processing.
You may include any additional material that supports your application.

Job Ref: PC2601

Colour speaks to all, and so does Sparxell. Our company is committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. We encourage women, people of colour, individuals with disabilities, gender-expansive individuals, LGBTQ+ candidates, and other under-represented minorities to apply.

We aim to review your application within a week and provide feedback within a reasonable time.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Life insurance Private medical insurance
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Experience:

Process Development: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person