Head of Chemistry

Job Description

Head of Chemistry

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Lead the chemistry that's redefining advanced manufacturing.

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At Photocentric Ltd, we don't just develop materials—we create the chemistry that powers the future of manufacturing.

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As a globally recognised innovator in 3D printing, with operations in the UK and USA, we design, manufacture and export world-leading 3D printing technologies and high-performance resins used across industries worldwide. From our headquarters in Peterborough, we're pioneering sustainable materials, next-generation polymers and breakthrough manufacturing processes.

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We're now looking for an exceptional Head of Chemistry to lead our research programme, drive innovation and build the next generation of advanced polymer materials. If you have extensive industrial experience in polyurethane chemistry, chemical synthesis and polymer formulation, and you're excited by taking ideas from concept through to commercial manufacture, we'd like to hear from you.

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The Head of Chemistry Opportunity

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This is a hands-on leadership role combining scientific innovation with commercial delivery.

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You'll lead a talented chemistry team, shape our research strategy and oversee projects spanning early-stage discovery, formulation, scale-up and production. Working alongside engineers, manufacturing teams, customers and research partners, you'll help bring genuinely new materials to

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market.

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We're particularly interested in someone with experience of high-volume polyurethane manufacture who wants to push the boundaries of sustainable polymer chemistry.

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What You'll Be Doing as our Head of Chemistry

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• Lead the Chemistry team, setting technical direction while mentoring and developing scientists.
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• Drive R&D projects from concept through laboratory development to commercial production, delivering measurable progress every month.
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• Develop advanced 3D-printable resins and polymers for demanding industrial applications.
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• Design and synthesise new polyurethane systems, oligomers and photocurable materials.
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• Develop polyols from bio-derived waste streams, evaluating feedstocks, conversion routes and performance.
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• Create both thermally cured and light-cured polymer systems.
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• Lead technical work across collaborative research programmes and grant-funded projects.
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• Work directly with customers and research partners to translate market needs into innovative chemical solutions.
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• Maintain rigorous experimental records and communicate findings through clear technical reports.
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• Keep Photocentric at the forefront of polymer science by identifying emerging technologies, materials and competitive developments.
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• Champion product quality, safety and continuous improvement across R&D and manufacturing.
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What You'll Bring as our Head of Chemistry

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• Significant industrial experience in polyurethane chemistry, polymer science or advanced formulation chemistry.
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• A strong track record in chemical synthesis and developing products from laboratory to manufacture.
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• Experience leading and developing high-performing technical teams.
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• Deep knowledge of polymer formulation, oligomer design and material characterisation.
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• Experience working within commercial R&D, ideally in polymers, coatings, composites or advanced materials.
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• The ability to solve complex technical problems with creativity, scientific rigour and commercial awareness.
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• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
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• Strong technical writing and presentation skills, able to communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, customers and business leaders.
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• A genuine passion for innovation and translating research into commercially successful products.
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Why Photocentric?

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This isn't a role maintaining existing products. It's an opportunity to lead chemistry that is changing how products are manufactured around the world. You'll work on breakthrough materials, sustainable technologies and genuinely novel applications, with the freedom to innovate and the resources to turn research into reality.

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If you're looking for a senior scientific leadership role where your work will have visible commercial impact as our Head of Chemistry, please click apply now - we'd love to hear from you.