Job Description

Job

Come and grow a better future with Sappi. Join us as a Research & Development Chemist to work at the forefront of innovation and take your skills and knowledge to new levels.

Join a company focused on innovation

Sappi makes world-class products for customers in over 150 countries and with seven research-and-development facilities operating worldwide, Sappi leverages cutting-edge technology to create new advances for our products and find fresh solutions for our customers.

Play your part in world-class R&D

In our manufacturing facility in Dundee, our people are our inspiration for success. Every idea, every collaboration, every perspective, creates breakthroughs for us all. Here we develop and improve upon our heat-seal-able coatings for the food packaging industry.

Your role on our team

We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled R&D Scientist to join our team and drive innovation, product development, and process improvement. This role is ideal for a hands-on problem solver with strong scientific expertise and a commitment to safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead R&D experiments, trials, and product development activities. Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards. Provide technical support across Production, QC, Sales, and Supply Chain. Translate customer requirements into product specifications. Develop and implement testing methods, SOPs, and staff training. Support operational efficiency, cost savings, and continuous improvement. Stay up to date with regulatory requirements (BRC, EU, FDA) and emerging technologies.

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor's degree (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related). Strong knowledge of formulation science (solutions, extrusion, polymers). Hands-on experience with analytical techniques (e.g. DSC, GC, IR, viscometry). Proficiency in MS Office and data analysis/reporting. Proven track record in polymer chemistry, formulation, and process development.

Competencies:

Strong scientific, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation abilities. Organised, detail-oriented, and able to prioritise effectively. Collaborative, with a continuous improvement mindset.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge R&D while supporting operational and customer-focused goals in a dynamic environment.

What we offer

Competitive Salary Eligibility to join annual company bonus scheme 32 days annual leave (Including public holidays) 37.5 hours. Monday - Friday. With flexibility on start and finish times Private Health Care option Pension option Life Assurance Safety first work environment 24/7 Access to our learning and development site

Work Location

On-site & flexible: This position delivers main impact on-site however you have the possibility to work from home each Friday.

Travel

Majority of time will be spent on-site. On occasion will be expected to travel for customer visits and attending trade shows. These will primarily, but not exclusively, be within the UK.

Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applicants of any race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or background. Sappi is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We particularly encourage applications from female candidates.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Private medical insurance Sick pay Work from home
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person