Chemist – Sustainable Superabsorbent Polymer Innovation

A&B Smart Materials is an Oxford University-based materials science venture founded by Oxbridge graduates. We are pioneering sustainable, biobased, and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) to replace synthetic, petroleum-based SAPs.

These polymers - critical in hygiene (diapers, menstrual pads, cosmetics) and agriculture - represent a $9B global market today, projected to grow to $17.6B by 2035.

With the EU banning synthetic SAPs in soils by 2028, A&B Smart Materials is positioned to lead this transition. We already have traction with global leaders and have recently closed a £1.5M pre-seed round with world-renowned investors.

Our mission is clear: make sustainable SAPs the global standard - combining performance, cost-competitiveness, and large-scale manufacturability.

Position

We are seeking a Chemist to drive the molecular design, synthesis, and optimisation of our biodegradable superabsorbent polymers.

This role focuses on advancing material performance at the laboratory level - improving absorbency, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and process compatibility - while contributing to IP development and preparing formulations for scale-up.

You will work at the core of our R&D efforts, translating polymer chemistry into commercially viable materials that can compete directly with incumbent synthetic SAPs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesise novel bio-based and biodegradable polymer networks for superabsorbent applications.
• Optimise polymer formulations to improve absorption capacity, retention, swelling kinetics, and mechanical integrity.
• Conduct polymer modification and crosslinking experiments to fine-tune performance characteristics.
• Characterise materials using analytical techniques (e.g., swelling studies, rheology, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical testing).
• Investigate biodegradation behaviour and environmental performance of materials.
• Work with bio-derived feedstocks, particularly polysaccharide-based systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and commercial teams to ensure materials are compatible with downstream processing and application requirements.
• Contribute to patent drafting, technical documentation, and IP development.
• Support early-stage scale-up to ensure laboratory formulations translate effectively to pilot conditions.

This is a core scientific role that underpins the technical differentiation of our platform.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in polymer synthesis and characterisation.
• Understanding of crosslinked networks, hydrogels, or functional polymer systems.
• Ability to design experiments independently and interpret complex data sets.
• A rigorous scientific mindset combined with creativity in materials design.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a fast-moving, interdisciplinary startup environment.

Highly Valued

• Prior experience working with starch, cellulose, or other biopolymers - this is a significant advantage.
• Experience modifying or functionalising polysaccharides for advanced material applications.
• Background in hydrogels, superabsorbent polymers, or biodegradable plastics.
• Familiarity with biodegradation testing, sustainability metrics, or LCA methodologies.
• Experience contributing to intellectual property or patent development.

Location: Oxford (Begbroke Science Park). Hybrid/remote flexibility possible.

Start date: ASAP.

Impact

You will play a central role in developing the next generation of sustainable superabsorbent materials, helping shift a $9B global market away from petroleum-based plastics toward scalable, biodegradable alternatives.

Please note that while the EIT budget is currently exhausted, funding is still available under the EIC, ERC, MSCA, and RI pathways.!