Research Chemist

Bridge Farm Bioscience; Spalding; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plant science company in the UK is seeking an entry-level researcher to focus on the extraction and analysis of functional molecules from plant sources. The role involves laboratory research and requires a relevant science degree or PhD. Strong attention to detail and good communication skills are essential. This full-time position operates Monday to Friday with a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience in natural product extraction and analysis.
• Driving licence to enable independent travel.
• Ethics and integrity essential for the role.

Responsibilities

• Plan research projects to meet deliverables and time scales.
• Carry out laboratory research work and analysis.
• Present results orally and in written reports.

Skills

Keen interest in chemistry or biochemistry

Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities

Good time-management skills

Good levels of spoken and written English

Team Working

Problem Solving

Education

PhD or Science degree in a relevant subject

Tools

GC-MS

LC-MS

HPLC

Job description

Company Description

Bridge Farm Bioscience Ltd is a dynamic and rapidly‑growing plant‑science business based in the UK, at the forefront of innovation in how nature is harnessed for health, wellbeing and product development. Our focus is on delivering high‑quality plant‑derived ingredients and molecules for nutraceuticals, personal‑care, pharmaceutical and wellness markets.

Our business operates on a fully vertically‑integrated model — from genetics and breeding, through large‑scale cultivation, extraction and analytical testing, to product development and manufacture — all under one roof. This integrated approach ensures traceability, consistency and transparency at every step of the value chain.

At our state‑of‑the‑art facility, we combine flexible high‑tech glasshouse cultivation, advanced extraction methods (including CO₂ extraction), and in‑house analytical chemistry laboratories utilising HPLC, LC‑MS and GC‑MS.

We are proud to be a business committed to responsible, sustainable and future‑proof production. Sustainability is embedded in our cultivation and manufacturing processes, from biomass‑heated glasshouses and water‑efficient systems, to full seed‑to‑sale traceability and rigorous quality systems.

As an employer and innovator, we offer a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where plant science meets real‑world application, and team members are empowered to drive meaningful breakthroughs and impact.

Company Highlights

• You’ll work at the cutting edge of plant science and biotechnology, in a business that is making serious investments (over £10 m) into its bioscience facility and growth plans.
• You’ll be part of a company with an ambitious growth trajectory and real commercial impact — from early‑stage R&D to full commercial production.
• You’ll operate within a culture of innovation, collaboration and quality, where scientific precision, operational excellence and sustainable thinking go hand‑in‑hand.
• You’ll help deliver plant‑derived solutions that have applications across health, wellness, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and beyond — bridging discovery science and market delivery.

Role Description

This role covers the extraction, purification and characterisation of functional molecules from terrestrial and marine plant sources using supercritical CO₂ as the core processing technology at laboratory and pilot plant scale. Downstream processing including distillation, crystalisation and derivatisation are also used. Analysis mostly uses hyphenated techniques such as GC‑MS and LC‑MS‑QQQ as well as HPLC‑UV and GC‑FID. Access to NMR and other spectral techniques are available through university links.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan research projects to meet deliverables and time scales.
• Carry out laboratory research work and analysis as part of the R&D team.
• Present results orally and as written reports.
• Keep work area clean and tidy at all times.
• Adhere to company policies and Health and Safety regulations/guidelines.
• Any other duties may be determined from time to time by the Chief Scientific Officer or may change with the requirements of the business. Any such changes will be within the general character of the duties or level of responsibility set out within this job description.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Keen interest in chemistry or biochemistry and a drive to learn new processing and analysis techniques.
• PhD or Science degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience in natural product extraction and analysis.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem‑solving capabilities with a keen eye for detail.
• Good time‑management skills to complete tasks within designated timeframes.
• Good levels of spoken and written English; to enable effective communication and interaction with the research and management teams.
• Be able to provide valid ID and an entitlement to work in the UK as full enhanced DBS checks will be processed.
• Driving licence to enable independent travel to and from work and between sites in Spalding.
• Ethics and integrity are essential characteristics to work in Bridge Farm Bioscience.
• Work Standards – Produces quality work of a high standard. Demonstrates strong attention to detail and produces accurate work.
• Communication – Demonstrates good communication skills. Communicates necessary information politely and confidently and where applicable, shares knowledge with others.
• Time Management – Manages time effectively and proactively and can plan and prioritise workload to meet tight deadlines without the need for prompting.
• Team Working – Works well with others, builds positive and professional relationships within and across teams.
• Problem Solving – Can analyse situations and apply logic to solving potential issues.

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Experience in cosmetic ingredients, pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals research.
• Process experience in relevant techniques, but full training will be given.
• Experience using GC‑MS and LC‑MS‑QQQ and interpretation of results.
• Experience in green chemistry applications and sustainable process techniques.

Hours Of Work: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday – based on 8am – 4pm, some flexibility required.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

• Personal Care Product Manufacturing