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.
Senior Biopolymer Scientist
Job ID: SBP251 | 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
As a key member of our R&D team, you will use your scientific and engineering expertise to optimise Sparxell’s cellulose-based formulation for applications in different industries.
Your main tasks will involve:
- Proposing, conceptualising, and experimenting with cellulose formulation and chemistry to improve product quality, yield and scalability.
- Planning and leading R&D projects that align with the company's business goals, timelines and budgets.
- Characterising materials and interpreting data to iteratively improve formulation and products.
- Growing, leading and nurturing a KPI-driven world-class team that fosters scientific excellence.
- Reporting and documenting for internal and external needs.
- Maintaining an overview of IP development and protection.
- Representing the company in scientific conferences, meetings, and other events.
3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for a talented scientist with strong research skills in one or more of the following fields, from preparation to characterisation:
- Organic chemistry, extraction and reaction on natural molecules.
- Chemical modification and functionalisation of polysaccharides or other natural polymers.
- Lignocellulosic bio-refinery, pre-treatment and extraction, processes such as acid hydrolysis, acid recycling, and oxidation.
- Formulation of natural molecules, cellulose, polysaccharides, paper or other natural polymers.
- Natural molecule characterisation g. microscopy, spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, rheology, X-Ray, NMR, TEM and AFM.
You earned a Ph.D. or have an M.Sc./M.Eng./B.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 contribute to a collaborative and respectful workplace.
You are a team player who is adaptive, welcome feedback and embrace scientific and operational challenges proactively with enthusiasm.
You have a solution-oriented mindset as welcome opportunities for growth.
You are creative with a pioneering spirit yet focused and goal-oriented with excellent organisational skills 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. Your command of English is excellent, and you may be fluent in another language.
4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS
Deadline for application: 25th of March 2025.
Contract: Full-time permanent contract with career advancement and opportunities.
Starting: When available.
Location: Cambridge, UK, with international mobility and flexible working arrangements.
Estimated remuneration: £ 37.5k – 50k with early employee equity 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.
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.
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: