Senior Materials Scientist

About Precision Chroma Precision Chroma is a deep-tech spin-out based at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. We are developing the next generation of process chromatography columns using advanced 3D printing and polymeric hydrogels. Our patented media creates highly ordered flow channels and is designed to purify high-value biological molecules directly from whole-cell culture - offering the potential to reduce the cost, time and complexity of manufacturing antibodies, vaccines, gene therapies and other biologic products. About the role We are looking for an experienced materials scientist, polymer scientist or chemist to lead the development of our chromatography media and underlying hydrogel platform. You will build a systematic materials-development program covering formulation, gelation, pore structure, mechanical properties, cross-linking, surface activation and ligand immobilization. This is a hands-on scientific role with significant influence over the product platform. You will connect material composition and manufacturing conditions to chromatographic performance, establish fit-for-purpose analytical methods and specifications, and work closely with our engineering, applications and bioprocess teams as the technology moves from laboratory formats into scalable products. What you will do Develop and optimize agarose and other polymeric hydrogel formulations for gelation behavior, homogeneity, pore structure, swelling, strength and reproducibility. Investigate cross-linking chemistry, compressibility, chemical resistance and long-term material stability. Develop surface-activation and ligand-immobilization methods for proteins, enzymes and other affinity or adsorptive ligands. Optimize ligand density, binding capacity, mass-transfer kinetics, selectivity and operational stability. Quantify non-specific binding, leachables, extractables, storage stability and shelf-life. Define critical material attributes and critical process parameters, using design-of-experiments and sound statistical methods. Establish analytical methods, acceptance criteria and material specifications that are fit for development and future manufacturing control. Determine how formulation and processing conditions affect chromatographic performance, including capacity, recovery, purity, pressure-flow behavior and reuse. Translate materials and reaction processes from small templates into larger and differently shaped formats alongside the engineering team. Maintain excellent experimental plans, records, analysis and technical reports, and communicate findings clearly across the team. What you will bring Scientific training: A postgraduate qualification, ideally a Master's or PhD, in polymer science, materials science, industrial chemistry, biological chemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline. Relevant experience: Substantial hands-on experience developing polymeric materials, hydrogels, porous media, surface chemistries or chromatography media. Experimental leadership: Ability to turn complex material questions into structured development programs, well-designed experiments and evidence-based decisions. Characterization: Experience selecting and applying physical, chemical and biological analytical methods such as FT-IR, microscopy/SEM, swelling, rheology, mechanical testing and binding assays. Surface chemistry: Practical understanding of surface activation, covalent immobilization, protein chemistry or polymer functionalization. Teamwork: Ability to work across chemistry, biology, chromatography and engineering in a fast-moving startup environment. Communication and rigor: Clear written and oral communication, strong technical records, attention to detail and a safety-first approach. Especially valuable experience Direct experience with agarose or polysaccharide hydrogels, commercial chromatography-media development, Protein A or enzyme immobilization, FPLC/HPLC, bioprocessing, design of experiments, leachables and extractables, shelf-life studies, or transfer of material processes into manufacturing would be especially valuable. Why join us? Shape a core technology platform rather than optimize a small part of an established product. Work at the intersection of polymer chemistry, biotechnology, chromatography and advanced manufacturing. See your materials work translated rapidly into functioning devices and pilot-scale processes. Join a small, ambitious team where scientific judgement and initiative have visible impact. Contribute to technology intended to make life-saving biological medicines simpler and more economical to produce. Location Christchurch, New Zealand. This is an on-site, laboratory-based role with the Precision Chroma team at the University of Canterbury. #J-18808-Ljbffr