We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Scientist – Research & Platform Development to join our growing Imaging & Research team.
Reporting to the Director of Optical Security Research and Platform Development, this role will lead and contribute to a wide range of technical activities across multiple projects with the aim of developing novel and competitive security or anticounterfeit features and processes for Currency applications.
As well as leading novel feature development projects, the successful candidate will also provide expert materials input and assistance to other projects within the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation
* Development of novel security optically variable features, processes and enabling technologies for Currency applications.
* Provision of significant scientific expertise within the realm of micro-optical structure including their associated creation, replication and filmic conversion, or novel materials or structures that could credibly be deployed as new generation of security feature.
* provide expertise in the methods and vehicles for integration or application, processing, and measurement of security of features within the Currency production environment.
* Proposal of novel and competitive Currency platform or technology developments in response to market drivers and the Portfolio Review process
Market Monitoring and Scouting
* Maintain good awareness of competitive landscape and all key classes of security features and formats.
* Monitor and evaluate new competitor launches as well as emergent technologies in adjacent industries.
Process
* Creation and ownership of project plan and associated budget to deliver feature or capability against business requirements / business case.
* Project team leadership of novel security feature development projects within the context of a stage-gate development process.
* Management of technical risk throughout development project (or assigned work packages) to optimise project delivery timescales.
* Work with stakeholders, peers, and extended project team, including IP, Product Strategy, and others, to maintain a holistic view of project and ensure a coherent, complete and well-managed feature launch / conclusion to project.
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full Time – 36.5 hrs per week
Base location: Basingstoke
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
* Strong academic background (BSc or higher) in Physics or Material Science
* At least 7 years’ industry experience (desirable)
* Expert scientific knowledge in either the use of micro-optical components as tools for light management or alternatively novel materials including but not limited to; cholesteric liquid crystal systems, structural colour systems, doped systems, RGB structures, luminescent chemistries, polarising structures.
* Practical aptitude with the ability to anticipate manufacturing and commercial challenges.
* Ability to lead technical projects of significant scale and complexity as required.
* Familiarity with stage-gate development and project planning methodologies.
* Experienced in providing leadership for large/technically complex research and development projects.
* Experience with technology partnership/joint development activities and associated mechanisms desirable.
* Extensive practical trial experience across a range of currency production processes
* Extensive expertise/practical experience in the methods and vehicles for integration/application/processing of security features within the currency production environment
About De La Rue
Established over 200 years ago, De La Rue is an award-winning international business operating across six continents. We are at the forefront of new developments in the delivery of security and integrity of Currency products and the provision of Product Authentication solutions.
Specialising in product design, international manufacturing, and digital solutions, we are trusted by Governments, Central Banks and brands to provide secure products and services that protect economies, revenue sources and reputations.
Benefits
* Eligible to participate in our Annual Incentive Scheme
* Car Allowance
* Hybrid working opportunities
* 26 days annual leave exclusive of bank holidays
* Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our Annual Leave Flexibility Scheme
* Contributory pension scheme (De La Rue pay 1.5x the employee’s contribution which can go up to a maximum of 6%)
* Life assurance - 4x annual salary
* Private health insurance
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Subsidised Gym Memberships
* Enhanced family friendly policies