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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
Industrial Process Engineer
Job ID: IPE2301 | 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 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 developed the world's first performance pigment from plants, inspired by nature, using cellulose as feedstock and nanostructured in a wide range of vibrant shades. Our mission is to make all colourants nature-positive. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. It has been awarded several major innovation prizes, validating Sparxell’s ambitions to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint and food.
2. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
As a key member of our R&D and production team, you will use your engineering expertise to optimise Sparxell’s process to scale up efficiently and minimise energy and materials consumption.
Your main tasks will involve:
- Optimising, scaling up and industrialising processes from lab bench to production, while considering the sustainable proposition of the product.
- Planning and leading engineering projects that align with the company's business goals, timelines and budgets, with our Head of R&D.
- Specifying the engineering requirements for suitable equipment and engaging with suppliers.
- Identifying the project and safety risks and mitigating them throughout the process.
- Building pilot-scale test stands.
- Maintaining an overview of IP development and protection.
- Reporting and documenting for internal and external needs.
- Representing the company in technical conferences, meetings, and other events.
3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for a talented and expert engineer with outstanding engineering skills in one or more of the following fields:
- Manufacturing and industrial process development and scale-up from kg to tonne scale, including: batch mixing, powder handling, roll-to-roll coating, milling, packaging.
- Manufacturing and process development of plant-based or bio-based polymer/ingredients, in one of the following areas: adhesives, inks, packaging, paint, textile, personal care or cosmetics.
- Lignocellulosic bio-refinery, pre-treatment and extraction, processes such as acid hydrolysis, acid recycling, and oxidation.
- Quality management experience in manufacturing processes in a relevant industrial sector.
- Contract manufacturing experience that includes
You hold an advanced degree such as a M.Sc./M.Eng./B.Sc. in process engineering, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, physical chemistry, or physics with at least 5 years of relevant academic and/or industrial experience in a related field.
You aspire to work collaboratively with a team of scientists and engineers while being independent.
You are adaptive, open to feedback and new approaches, and proactive in solving challenging problems.
You have a goal-oriented and strategic mindset to ensure the successful delivery of projects and adhere to the long-term vision for the company's development efforts.
You are keen to engage in a fast-paced and exciting working environment in which you will play a decisive role in the company’s future success.
You communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, for internal/external discussion and for documenting and reporting your work. Your command of English is very good, and you may be fluent in another language.
4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS
Deadline for application: 15th of December 2023.
Contract: Full-time permanent contract with career advancement and opportunities.
Starting: When available.
Location: Cambridge, UK, with international mobility and flexible working arrangements.
Remuneration: £ 45k with early employee equity package.
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.
We will get back to you within a reasonable time with a final decision on your application.
Senior Formulation Chemist
Job ID: SFC2301 | 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 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 developed the world's first performance pigment from plants, inspired by nature, using cellulose as feedstock and nanostructured in a wide range of vibrant shades. Our mission is to make all colourants nature-positive. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. It has been awarded several major innovation prizes, validating Sparxell’s ambitions to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint and food.
2. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
As a key member of our R&D and production team, you will use your engineering and scientific expertise to optimise Sparxell’s product formulation for applications in different industries.
Your main tasks will involve:
- Proposing, conceptualising, and prototyping formulation to meet customers’ requirements for different applications, e.g. adhesives, inks, packaging, paint, textile, beauty-care and cosmetics.
- Planning and leading R&D projects that align with the company's business goals, timelines and budgets, with our Head of R&D.
- Characterising materials and interpreting data to iteratively improve formulation and products.
- 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 formulation scientist with outstanding skills in one or more of the following fields:
- Product formulation and development using plant-based or bio-based polymer/ingredients, in one of the following areas: adhesives, inks, packaging, paint, textile, personal care or cosmetics.
- Chemical modification and functionalisation of polysaccharides or other natural polymers.
- Process engineering and manufacturing processes scale-up.
- Lignocellulosic bio-refinery, pre-treatment and extraction, processes such as acid hydrolysis, acid recycling, and oxidation.
- Materials characterisation e.g. optical microscopy, spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, and rheology.
You hold a Ph.D., an M.Sc./M.Eng./B.Sc. degree in biomaterial formulation, synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry, soft matter physics, colloidal science, organic chemistry or chemical engineering, with at least 4 years of relevant academic and/or industrial experience.
Previous experience in supply chain, regulatory approvals and ingredient market launch is an advantage.
You aspire to work collaboratively with a team of scientists and engineers while being independent.
You are adaptive, open to feedback and new approaches, and proactive in solving challenging problems.
You have a goal-oriented and strategic mindset to ensure the successful delivery of projects and adhere to the long-term vision for the company's development efforts.
You are keen to engage in a fast-paced and exciting working environment in which you will play a decisive role in the company’s future success.
You communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, for internal/external discussion and for documenting and reporting your work. Your command of English is very good, and you may be fluent in another language.
4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS
Deadline for application: 15th of December 2023.
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: £ 40k with early employee equity package.
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.
We will get back to you within a reasonable time with a final decision on your application.
Laboratory & Production Technician
Job ID: LAPT2302 | 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 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 developed the world's first performance pigment from plants, inspired by nature, using cellulose as feedstock and nanostructured in a wide range of vibrant shades. Our mission is to make all colourants nature-positive. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. It has been awarded several major innovation prizes, validating Sparxell’s ambitions to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint and food.
2. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Working closely with our management team, the lead scientists and the rest of the R&D team, you will support laboratory-scale manufacturing experiments to scale-up Sparxell’s current technology, while contributing to the development of future technology and processes.
Your main tasks will involve:
- Carrying-out the company’s research-production strategy as set by the company.
- Conducting experiments and preparing samples using iterative techniques to deliver minimum viable products.
- Preparing laboratory samples, analysing data using standard analytical instrumentation and reporting
- Maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies to ensure their proper functioning.
- Troubleshooting equipment and methodological issues.
- Contributing to setting up and managing laboratory
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Supporting intellectual property development and protection.
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners, including customers, academic institutions, and government agencies.
- Representing the company in technical conferences, meetings, and other events from time to time.
3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking a highly skilled person capable of careful and independent work, familiar with standard laboratory techniques and keen on learning, ideally with prior experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cellulose or biopolymer material preparation, such as experience with suspension, film and coating.
- Plant-based or bio-based polymer formulation and materials.
- Photonic properties, liquid crystal and matter nanostructuration.
- Process engineering and manufacturing processes.
- Lignocellulosic bio-refinery, pre-treatment and extraction.
- Plant-based or bio-based polymer preparation or chemical functionalisation.
You earned at least a B.A. or equivalent with relevant academic and/or industrial experience. Profiles without degrees having outstanding professional experience are also welcome.
You are proficient in various laboratory techniques and equipment, which you can optimise independently.
You are a team player who communicates with passion and accuracy on each project you are part of, accurately documenting your work and reporting it. Your command of English is very good, and you may be fluent in another language.
You have good organisational skills including effective management of own workload.
You have proven problem-solving skills and initiative, individually and within a team context.
You are keen to engage in a fast-paced and exciting working environment in which you will play a decisive role in the company’s future success.
4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS
Deadline for application: 15th of January 2023.
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: £ 25 – 33k with early employee equity package
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.
We will get back to you within a reasonable time with a final decision on your application.
Biopolymer Scientist
Job ID: BPS2301 | 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 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 developed the world's first performance pigment from plants, inspired by nature, using cellulose as feedstock and nanostructured in a wide range of vibrant shades. Our mission is to make all colourants nature-positive. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. It has been awarded several major innovation prizes, validating Sparxell’s ambitions to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint and food.
2. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
As a key member of our R&D and production 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, with our Head of R&D.
- Characterising materials and interpreting data to iteratively improve formulation and products.
- 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 formulation scientist with outstanding skills in one or more of the following fields:
- 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, polysaccharides or other natural polymers.
- Natural molecule characterisation g. microscopy, spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, rheology, X-Ray, NMR, TEM and AFM.
You hold a Ph.D. or 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.
You aspire to work collaboratively with a team of scientists and engineers while being independent.
You are adaptive, open to feedback and new approaches, and proactive in solving challenging problems.
You have a goal-oriented and strategic mindset to ensure the successful delivery of projects and adhere to the long-term vision for the company's development efforts.
You are keen to engage in a fast-paced and exciting working environment in which you will play a decisive role in the company’s future success.
You communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, for internal/external discussion and for documenting and reporting your work. Your command of English is very good, and you may be fluent in another language.
4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS
Deadline for application: 15th of January 2023.
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: £ 40k with early employee equity package.
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.
We will get back to you within a reasonable time with a final decision on your application.
No further openings at this time.
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: