Exciting & sustainable
careers

We are
hiring!

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, science-based startup? Sparxell is a fast-growing company looking for talented individuals who want to make a real impact. Our team is made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the world. We’re seeking individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited to be part of a team that is thinking big. If you’re ready to take on new challenges, we want to hear from you. Join us and be part of our journey creating the next generation of colours and effects.

Current Openings

Head of sales and marketing

Job ID: BDM251 | Full time / Cambridge, UK

1. OUR MISSION

Delivering a future that is nature-inspired. We are a sustainable material science company dedicated to developing innovative colour solutions that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible, designed to address the sustainability challenges associated with synthetic and non renewably-sourced colourants.

Redesigning the way colours are made. We are transforming the world of colour with fully plant-based, sustainable pigments. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from a decade of research performed at the University of Cambridge. Our bio-based performance colour platform eliminates the need for synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, and unethically sourced minerals. Our technology has the potential to deliver impact across industries where colour is essential, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging and paint, setting a new standard for coloration.

 

2. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Commercial Leader to build and manage a pipeline of major global customers ranging from luxury fashion brands and cosmetics companies to the world's best known paint and automotive companies. This role involves taking clients and early adopter customers on a discovery journey, through the steps of initial conversations and sampling tests, to formalized funded projects (e.g. proof-of-concepts, capsule launches), joint developments and scaled commercial delivery.

 

As Head of Sales and Marketing you will:

  • Drive sales in line with our ambitious scale-up plan
  • Develop and implement a high-impact, quality-driven sales and marketing strategy to scale customers from
    initial pilots to commercial sales.
  • Act as the voice-of-the-customer internally, ensuring both high quality commercial delivery and customercentric execution.
  • Introduce our products and solutions into the industry through B2B sales (e.g. fashion, cosmetics, paint and
    packaging) and secure off-take agreements and lead on product launches.
  • Build and nurture new and established client relationships.
  • Manage a commercial team, maintain a CRM system, track sales performance and KPIs, and deliver datadriven strategic insights.
  • Develop and oversee marketing campaigns, create high-quality materials, and establish Sparxell as an
    industry leader in the next-generation material and colourant field.
  • Represent the company globally at tradeshows and other events.

 

3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

Being an effective, charming and persuasive communicator, you know how to gather information and navigate the needs of different clients and win key contracts by building strong relationships. You find your way to the highest potential leads and manage multiple global customer relationships across industry sectors.

 

Your profile:

  • Proven experience in sales & marketing, ideally in B2B speciality chemicals, inks, dyes, pigments, colourants, polymers or materials.
  • Independent and autonomous, able to manage commercial deals from initiation to close.
  • Strong track record of securing B2B deals with major brands and manufacturers in fashion, cosmetics, industrial coatings or adjacent industries.
  • Familiarity with at least one of our early-adopter consumer-focussed market verticals: fashion, cosmetics, or related consumer products
  • Record of acquiring and growing sales, managing senior-level customer relationships, and hitting targets in a high-growth environment.
  • Experience managing PR and events, including with external marketing/branding service providers.
  • Brilliant and confident in meeting partners and presenting at trade shows and business conferences.
  • Experience managing marketing campaigns across digital & physical channels.
  • Exceptional communication & storytelling skills, both in writing and verbally, showing passion, accuracy and respect to every partner you communicate with;
  • High attention to detail, documenting and reporting sales insights, and aligning with internal as well as external stakeholders.
  • Creative, pioneering spirit, eager to drive change in a dynamic start-up
  • A can-do, hands-on attitude, adaptable, and eager to take ownership in a fast-paced environment.
  • Your command of English is excellent, and you may be fluent in another language. Fluency in French, Italian, or German is highly desirable.

Your qualifications:

  • At least five years of sales & marketing experience in a commercial or industrial setting.
  • A postgraduate qualification in marketing or business (e.g., CIM, MBA) is a plus.

 

4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS

Deadline for application: 30th November 2025

Contract: Full-time permanent position.

Starting: When available.

Location: Central Cambridge, UK, with international travel and flexible working arrangements. Possibly to work remotely up to 2 days/week. Travel 30-50%.

Estimated remuneration: £50 – 100K with early employee share option package. Relocation package available.

Other benefits: Pension, private medical insurance & life insurance and on-site parking 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. Therefore, if you still need to get the right to work in the UK, any offer of employment will be conditional upon you gaining this right.

References: Offers of appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.

 

5. CONSIDERING JOINING OUR TEAM?

If you want to join our endeavour, please send your CV and a cover letter to careers@sparxell.com. Please name your documents as JobID_Forename Surname_CV or CL for faster internal processing. With these two mandatory documents, feel free to add any miscellaneous material supporting your application.

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

You should expect to hear from our team past the application deadline if your profile is of interest for the role and an interview. Unfortunately we are not able to provide feedback on all application we received.

Apply here

PROCESS CHEMIST (SCALE-UP)

Job ID: PC2601 | Full time / Cambridge, UK

  1. 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 the way 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. 

 

  1. 2. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING 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. 

 

  1. 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. 

 

  1. 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 you gaining this right. 

References: Offers of appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references. 

 

  1. 5. CONSIDERING JOINING OUR TEAM? 

If you want to join our endeavour, please send your CV and a cover letter to careers@sparxell.com. Please name your documents as JobID_Forename Surname_CV or CL for faster internal processing. With these two mandatory documents, feel free to add any miscellaneous material supporting your application. 

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, of all ages, individuals with disabilities, gender-expansive individuals and LGBTQ+ candidates, and other under-represented minorities to apply to this position. 

We will aim to review your application within a week and get back to you within a reasonable time with a final decision on your application. 

Apply here

Principal Scientist

Job ID: PS251 | Full time / Cambridge, UK

1. OUR MISSION

Promoting a future that is nature-inspired. We are a sustainable material science company dedicated to developing innovative colour solutions that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible, designed to overcome the challenges associated with synthetic and non renewably-sourced colourants.

Redesigning the way colours are made. We are transforming the world of colour with fully plant-based, sustainable pigments. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from a decade of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. Our bio-based performance colour platform eliminates the need for synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, and unethically sourced minerals. Our technology won major innovation prizes, shedding light on Sparxell’s ambitions to foster sustainability with a targeted impact across industries where colour is essential, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging and paint, setting up a new standard for good.

 

2. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

You will drive innovation, refine and scale up Sparxell’s technology and develop its future technological edge to shape the future of colours.

 

Your main responsibilities will involve:

  • Driving innovation and creativity in developing new materials, processes and technologies.
  • Developing and executing a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with the company's business goals, timelines and budgets.
  • Proposing, conceptualising, and prototyping new ideas and products, setting research priorities with management in line with customer demand.
  • Organizing, planning and having control over R&D projects, studies, resources and budget.
  • Setting-up team KPIs and supervising a growing team of technicians and scientists.
  • Generating, analysing, synthesizing and communicating research data with both expert and non-expert audiences.
  • Setting-up processes for efficient R&D development considering the sustainable merchandising of the product at a competitive price.
  • Growing, leading and nurturing a KPI-driven world-class team that fosters scientific excellence.
  • Maintaining an overview of IP development and protect new inventions.
  • Supporting protocol documentation.
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Collaborating with internal teams and external partners, including customers, academic institutions, and government agencies.
  • Realizing reports for internal and external needs including funding agencies.
  • Representing the company globally in scientific conferences, tradeshows, and other events from time to time.

 

3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for a talented and expert scientist with outstanding research skills in one or more of the following fields, from preparation to characterisation:

  • Nanocellulose material preparation, such as prior experience with suspension, film and coating.
  • Photonic properties, liquid crystal and matter nanostructuration.
  • Lignocellulosic bio-refinery, pre-treatment and extraction.
  • Plant-based or bio-based polymer formulation or chemical functionalisation.
  • Paper technology and
  • Process engineering and manufacturing processes.

You earned a Ph.D. or have an M.Sc. degree in polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, soft matter physics, colloidal science, materials science, organic chemistry or chemical engineering, with at least 3 years of relevant academic and/or industrial experience.

 

Beyond your scientific expertise and to be successful in this role, you bring essential leadership and management qualities that drive innovation and success.

You create a collaborative and respectful workplace to foster a strong team culture where feedback is valued and team members thrive.
You are a team player with proven experience in team leadership, with the ability to motivate, guide, and inspire researchers toward achieving ambitious goals. You are adaptive, welcome feedback and embrace scientific and operational challenges proactively with enthusiasm and a solution-oriented mindset as opportunities for growth.

You delegate responsibilities strategically, ensuring an efficient, collaborative and well-structured research environment. You have excellent organisational skills including effective management of your own workload and supervising others in their day-to-day while delivering broader strategic goals to ensure both short-term success and long-term impact.

You are creative with a pioneering spirit yet focused and goal-oriented to ensure the successful delivery of projects and long-term vision for the company's development efforts, striving for excellence in all aspects of what you do.

You exhibit a pioneering spirit, are eager to explore new ideas, take calculated risks, and drive innovation.

You thrive in a fast-paced working environment with a can-do attitude in which you will play a decisive role in the company’s future success.

You communicate, both in writing and verbally, with passion, accuracy and respect on each project you are part of, documenting your work and reporting it, aligning with internal as well as external stakeholders. Your command of English is excellent, and you may be fluent in another language.

 

4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS

Deadline for application: 22th of March 2025.

Contract: Full-time permanent position with career advancement and opportunities.

Starting: When available.

Location: Central Cambridge, UK, with international mobility and flexible working arrangements.

Estimated remuneration: £ 50 – 70k with early employee share option package. Relocation package available.

Other benefits: Pension, private medical insurance & life insurance and on-site parking 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. Therefore, if you still need to get the right to work in the UK, any offer of employment will be conditional upon you gaining this right.

References: Offers of appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.

 

 

5. CONSIDERING JOINING OUR TEAM?

If you want to join our endeavours, please send your CV and a cover letter to careers@sparxell.com. Please name your documents as JobID_Forename Surname_CV or CL for faster internal processing. With these two mandatory documents, feel free to add any miscellaneous material supporting your application.

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, of all ages, individuals with disabilities, gender-expansive individuals and LGBTQ+ candidates, and other under-represented minorities to apply to this position.

We will aim to review your application within a week and get back to you within a reasonable time with a final decision on your application.

Apply here

You did not find the position you were looking for but think you could be a great fit? We very much welcome to hear from you: