Chief Science Officer Deep tech startup

T 9n; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge climate tech company in the UK seeks a Chief Science Officer to lead its scientific initiatives in developing modular carbon-conversion systems. Responsibilities include setting scientific direction, overseeing R&D, and integrating AI into processes. Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess experience in advanced materials development. This role offers competitive salary, equity from day one, and the chance to drive high-impact innovation in sustainable technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary tied to funding and revenue milestones

Equity from day one

Flexible working (full-time or part-time)

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing advanced materials or carbon-based systems.
• Ability to convert lab-scale research into manufacturable processes.
• Confidence in patent drafting, scientific writing and IP management.

Responsibilities

• Set the scientific and technical direction of our carbon-conversion process.
• Oversee MVP development, validation, performance testing and cost modelling.
• Integrate AI across process control, optimisation and predictive systems.
• Represent 9N in investor meetings and external technical discussions.

Skills

Advanced materials development

Carbon-based systems

Scientific writing

IP management

Real-time experimentation

Collaboration with research teams

Passion for climate innovation

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Graphene, Chemical Engineering

Job description

9N is developing a new class of modular carbon-conversion systems that turn non-recyclable plastics and other carbon-rich residues into high-value engineered carbon materials. Our mission is to build scalable systems that cut industrial emissions, close material loops and power the next generation of clean, high-performance applications.

We are hiring a Chief Science Officer to lead the scientific core of 9N and shape the full technical journey from concept through to commercial scale.

What You Will Lead

• Set the scientific and technical direction of our carbon-conversion process
• Oversee MVP development, validation, performance testing and cost modelling
• Integrate AI across process control, optimisation and predictive systems
• Coordinate work with external labs, universities and research partners
• Build and manage all technical documentation, white papers and patent strategy
• Turn complex technical data into clear scientific narratives for investors
• Represent 9N in investor meetings and external technical discussions
• Take a hands‑on approach to experimentation, iteration and innovation

What You Bring

• PhD in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Graphene, Chemical Engineering or a related field
• Proven experience developing advanced materials or carbon-based systems
• Ability to convert lab‑scale research into manufacturable processes
• Confidence in patent drafting, scientific writing and IP management
• Experience working with external research teams or scientific institutions
• A mindset that enjoys building, testing and pushing new materials in real time
• Genuine enthusiasm for deeptech, climate innovation and creating the future

Why Join 9N

• Become the scientific driver of a technology with global impact
• Work with a sharp, founder‑led team focused on high-growth execution
• Full ownership of scientific direction and R&D strategy
• A role designed for builders, not observers
• Competitive salary tied to funding and revenue milestones
• Equity from day one
• Flexible on full time or part time
• Preference for Manchester-based candidates

Eligibility to work in the UK is required.

If you are ready to lead breakthrough materials innovation and help shape one of the most ambitious climate tech ventures in the UK, we would like to speak with you.