Materials Chemist

Full-time position.

Onsite 5 days a week - Chiswick, London.

Design the Future of Sustainable Storage

At HoloMem, we’re building the next generation of long-term data storage — radically efficient, ultra-durable, and environmentally sustainable. Our pioneering holographic storage technology encodes data as light within advanced materials, creating a resilient alternative to today’s short-lived, energy-intensive cloud infrastructure.

Having partaken in both the Intel Ignite and Deeptech Labs accelerators in 2024, awarded two Innovate UK Smart Grants, we’ve recently closed our Seed+ raise and are accelerating development. HoloMem is now looking to expedite the development of its pioneering technology by growing its team of problem solvers to support our exciting next chapter.

Job Summary

As Material Chemist, you will be responsible for designing, synthesising, and optimising photopolymer materials for holographic data storage applications. Your expertise in polymer chemistry, photochemistry, and monomer/polymer synthesis will support development of high-performance recording media with excellent optical properties, stability, and durability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Formulate and evaluate novel photopolymer formulations for enhanced recording sensitivity and efficiency.

  • Synthesise, purify and characterise in-house monomers, oligomers, and polymers.

  • Prepare and test thin-film coatings for optical performance and stability.

  • Collaborate with optical engineers to evaluate holographic recording performance.

  • Analyse polymer properties using techniques such as FTIR, NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, and rheology.

  • Document experimental procedures, analyse data, and present findings to a multidisciplinary R&D team.

Qualification

  • Education: BSc with hands-on experience in wet chemistry lab.

  • Previous experience in polymer synthesis, coatings, and materials development is desirable.

Technical Skills

  • Strong background in free-radical and photoinitiated polymerization.

  • Hands-on experience in monomer/polymer synthesis and purification techniques.

  • Familiarity with mechanical, spectroscopic (UV-Vis, FTIR) and thermal (DSC, TGA) characterisation methods.

  • Experience with holographic materials or optical data storage is a plus. 

Bonus Skills

  • Ambitious learner who is comfortable owning responsibility.

  • Innovative and methodical problem-solving skills with an eye for detail.

  • Strong analytical and organisational abilities.

  • Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation

  • 25 days holiday

  • Payment matched pension

  • Cycle to work scheme

How to Apply

Send us your CV and a portfolio (PDF format) to careers@holomem.co.uk or use the link below. Show us what you’ve designed, built, or tested. If you’re excited about the mission — even if you don’t meet every requirement — we’d love to hear from you.

HoloMem is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all.