Keracol is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, coloration scientist to join us. The successful candidate will be play an important role of the daily management of the R&D laboratory, and of the development and scale up of Keracol’s colorants, coloration technologies and coloration products for commercial applications. The role will cover a wide variety of projects, ranging from small-scale laboratory work to commercial production. This is a permanent position with 3-months’ probation. Our company. Keracol is a spin-out company from The University of Leeds. Our core value is sustainability with performance . We combine high-end physical science with innovative applications to produce natural and sustainable hair dyes, colour cosmetics, hair care, skin care and sun care products. Our expertise spans organic chemistry, colour chemistry, polymer chemistry, extraction technology, effect assessment, coloration technology, and natural products chemistry. Keracol develops novel approaches to the extraction of active molecules from plant sources, and fractionating and purifying them for multiple applications, both existing and novel. We use renewable materials and waste materials as sources of extracts, and are able to produce extracts from raw materials that do not compete with land for food crops. Our extracts are formulated in consumer beauty products providing solutions to unmet needs, as there is a huge consumer demand for products containing natural and renewable ingredients. We work with multinational partners on research projects and products for Keracol’s own products.

The ideal candidate. The candidate must hold an appropriate science-based degree, ideally a masters degree, preferably in colour chemistry, organic chemistry or a closely-related discipline. They will have strong communication skills and will manage and contribute to several projects in parallel and prioritise tasks. It is imperative that the candidate is detail-oriented and driven to ensure the quality of all their work. The successful candidate will write reports based on experiments they and team members will carry out and present them in an appropriate manner. Previous work experience is desirable, but other relevant experience will also be taken into account.

Keracol is a growing business and as we expand, we will reward the loyalty of employees with excellent opportunities within the company. The position is offered with an attractive salary, a company shares scheme, and a comfortable work environment. Keracol’s laboratory and office are located in Nexus ( nexusleeds.co.uk), a £40m state-of-the-art building located on The University of Leeds campus.

Salary will be £35,000 to £42,000+ dependent on qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries may be made to: Professor Richard Blackburn, CTO, r.s.blackburn@keracol.co.uk

Closing date 5pm on 18th November 2024, but early applications are welcomed. Responsible to: Prof. Richard Blackburn, CTO, Keracol Ltd.

Main responsibilities Provide technical support and scientific research to all Keracol R&D projects. Development and optimisation of colorants, coloration technologies and coloration products for commercial applications. Conducting all analytical chemistry work required for the analysis of chemicals and materials involved in these research projects. Development, testing, data analysis and scale-up of new processes. Supporting the R&D team in designing and formulating colour cosmetic products. Managing stability testing and performance testing of the ingredients in formulations as well as external testing. Preparing safety assessments for new products. Critically interpret experimental data and identify quality improvement opportunities.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Essential Masters degree (or equivalent industrial experience in a research environment) in an appropriate science-based degree, preferably in colour chemistry, organic chemistry, or a closely-related discipline. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a R&D laboratory setting. Clear understanding of laboratory safety procedures, e.g. COSHH and risk assessments. Creative problem solver. Solid teamwork and interpersonal skills Ability to meet deadlines. Proven ability to communicate results of research effectively, through oral and written media to a high standard. · A self-starter, who is able to work on projects individually. Desirable Experience of working with CIE Lab Colour Space and Kubelka-Munk theory. Potential to be innovative, and generate and deliver on new ideas. Experience of dyeing and coloration methods and relevant analytical methods (HPLC, UV-Vis, spectrophotometry). Knowledge of dyes and pigments. Experience in working with natural colorants. Knowledge of sustainability and green chemistry principles. Experience in colour cosmetic formulation and product design. Experience in hair dyes and dyeing processes. Experience of working in a commercial environment. Experience of working in the Personal/Consumer Care sectors. Business knowledge and acumen within a relevant industry.

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