R&D Manager - Science & Process

The Supplant Company is a University of Cambridge start-up, a graduate of the Y-Combinator accelerator program, and is backed by major VCs in the US and Europe. We are an innovative and dynamic ingredient company, creating products to address major health and environmental challenges in the global food system, and beyond. Our core product, Supplant™ sugars from fiber, allows the creation of food products that are healthier for people and planet.

The company is seeking an experienced Research & Development Manager - Science & Process with a background in industrial biochemistry / chemistry to coordinate and lead activity across its laboratory, pilot and scale-up process development activities, as well as analytical sciences team.

Our preferred candidate will have: i) a deep understanding of underpinning science with an aptitude for quickly picking up new technical concepts, ii) 7+ years' experience working across various commercial chemistry and / or biochemistry R&D functions from laboratory to manufacturing and iii) have simultaneously line managed several teams covering different technical disciplines.

The role will be based at the company’s offices, laboratory and pilot plant on the Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, UK with periodic travel to manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America. The anticipated salary for the role is £55,000 - £70,000 dependent on the extent to which candidates meet the requirements outlined in the job description and experience.

As R&D Manager - Science & Process you will report to the Head of Research and your key duties and responsibilities will be to:

• Manage a growing internal team, currently seven scientists and engineers, and external service providers to meet the company’s process industrialisation objectives.
• Provide scientific and technical process support for both the site laboratories and pilot plant and be the key contact for external contract / toll manufacturers.
• Lead the analytical services department to ensure samples are analysed and results reported efficiently and that the department's equipment and capability matches the company’s needs.
• With senior team, lead on planning, design and execution of process related Research & Development projects.
• Engage with industry experts on relevant topics and work alongside Food Ingredients, Clinical & Regulatory Affairs and Business Development teams to understand the strategic direction of your team’s research.
• Apply scientific principles to build knowledge of our end-to-end manufacturing process. Develop and implement new chemical and physical characterisation methods, processing techniques and product analyses.
• Compile specifications and information for optimised unit operations and pro-actively look for potentially unforeseen process improvements.
• Analyse & present the team’s results both in writing and orally to update senior management.
• Proactively contribute to the development of the company’s Intellectual Property portfolio.
• Ensure all work is performed in line with company’s SHE policies and lead the development of the company's SHE practices for laboratories and pilot plant.

Candidates should have / be:

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience working across various commercial chemistry and / or biochemistry R&D functions from laboratory to manufacturing and have simultaneously line managed several teams covering different technical disciplines.
• Proven experience of effectively managing teams with strong project management & leadership skills. Ability to undertake multiple projects simultaneously to deliver against tight deadlines and to contribute both as part of a team and individually.
• Analytically minded, excellent attention to detail and strong diagnostic skills, with experience of technical report preparation and delivering presentations to various audiences.
• Educated to degree level, or equivalent, with a scientific and/or technical background. Deep understanding of process science and engineering principles.
• Working knowledge and training in various aspects relating to SHE, e.g. IOSH / NEBOSH.
• Evidence of ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Passion for disruptive technologies, products and making a difference.
• Strong work ethic - prepared to put in extra hours when then are really needed.

• Salary: £55,000-70,000 for the right candidate, dependent on experience and extent to which the job specification is met.
• Options package.
• Full-time permanent position – 37.5 hours / week.
• Company pension plan (Royal London).
• 31 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays).
• Work on the prestigious Cambridge Science Park.
• We look to grow our employees with the business.

This is a unique opportunity to join the team at a very exciting stage of the company's growth.