R&D Principal Scientist

R&D Principal Scientist

At Saint-Gobain we are looking for an R&D Principal Scientist to join our Central R&D Innovation R&D centre in East Leake, helping to deliver innovative gypsum-based systems and fire performance solutions for global construction markets.

This R&D Principal Scientist role will play a key part in supporting strategic innovation projects focused on gypsum systems, compliance, formulation development and system design. Working across international project teams, you'll combine hands-on laboratory expertise with technical leadership to solve complex customer and business challenges. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge fire testing, material innovation and product performance development within a highly collaborative global R&D environment.

Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, designing, manufacturing and distributing materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Our innovation teams are focused on delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions that improve everyday life and create better living spaces around the world.

This role is based on-site in East Leake, 5 days per week, with approximately 20% travel.

What we're looking for:

• Degree qualified in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong industrial R&D experience within laboratory and testing environments, ideally linked to gypsum products or construction materials.
• Experience in fire testing, passive fire protection or fire stopping systems, including knowledge of relevant certifications and standards.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects, communicate findings and collaborate with international stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experimental mindset with experience developing testing methods, analysing material performance and driving innovation.

What you will be doing:

• Lead and support R&D innovation projects focused on gypsum systems, compliance and formulation development.
• Conduct laboratory-based testing and material investigations, developing new methods and technical solutions to complex challenges.
• Work closely with project teams, customers and global stakeholders to communicate findings, present results and share technical knowledge.
• Support fire performance and passive fire protection developments through testing, analysis and system design activities.
• Drive innovation initiatives that improve product performance, system capability and customer value across international markets.

About us

Are Saint-Gobain inclusive employers?

Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, following our purpose of 'Making the World a Better Home'. We play a part in improving daily life through high-performance solutions. From wherever you are, let your unique personality and our values guide you every day to invent a more sustainable world.

We understand that a diverse workplace is not only a more enjoyable place to be, but also facilitates better decision making and innovation. So, whoever you are, and whichever Saint-Gobain business you join, you can be sure of a warm welcome with us.

And what about flexibility?

At Saint-Gobain, we're always open to new ways of working. Everyone has different needs and commitments. We'll happily discuss any need you might have for this role. Whilst we can't promise to meet every request when we're recruiting, we do promise to listen.

If you match our criteria, we will be in touch to discuss your experience and more about you as a person - we look forward to hearing from you!