Current Opportunities

Location
The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland

Category
Placement

Start Date
As soon as possible

Length
12 weeks

Salary
Real Living Wage (Tax and NI Exempt)

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Innovation Intern to support our research and development team in sustainable textile dyeing. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, working at the intersection of sustainability, science, and the fashion and textile industries.

If you are passionate about joining a disruptive project that will shape the future of the textile industry, we would love to hear from you.

This opportunity is part of the Circular Economy Internship Scheme, supported and funded by Zero Waste Scotland.

• Start date: As soon as possible
• Working hours: Full-time
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Wage: Real Living Wage (Tax and NI exempt)
• Location: The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA

The Organisation

SeaDyes is pioneering the development of marine-derived colours and revolutionising textile dyeing through sustainable nature-based innovations. We harness natural resources like seaweed and cutting-edge science to create vibrant, high-performing colours without harming the planet. Our mission is to drive positive change in the fashion and textile industries, reducing waste and pollution through new biobased dyeing solutions.

SeaDyes is a spin-in of the James Hutton Institute and has been accepted into the High Growth Spinout Programme with support and funding from Scotland's national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise.

The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading independent research institution dedicated to developing scientific solutions for the sustainable management of land, crops and water for thriving communities and a healthy planet. The James Hutton Institute is supporting and advancing innovations such as SeaDyes, which have the potential to transform traditional industries and tackle some of the major challenges of our time, including climate change and global pollution.

Our goal is to develop a strong biobased circular economy through science and the responsible use of natural renewable resources. When commercial and scaled, SeaDyes could directly impact the industry's environmental footprint by reducing the need to use polluting chemicals, improving material circularity and reducing its fossil-fuel dependency, all while supporting rural communities and the development of the blue bioeconomy.

The Role

The intern will work alongside the technical team at SeaDyes focusing on a defined project to develop SeaDyes application and fixation protocols on a selected range of fibres. We will establish commercial testing protocols and benchmarks for SeaDyes with support from our industry partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in research and development of non-toxic dyeing protocols and application methods.
• Conduct lab trials and experiments and test different dyeing formulations to achieve industry standards.
• Collaborate with the innovation team to improve and scale up sustainable dyeing processes.
• Prepare a range of samples for testing in the laboratory and in the industrial environment.
• Record data and keep a detailed lab book.
• Analyse data, document findings and prepare reports to support ongoing projects.
• Maintain a tidy and clean working environment and equipment cleaning routines.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and new developments in sustainable textiles and dyes.
• Support cross-functional teams, including product development, business planning and marketing.

The Candidate

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Innovation Intern to support our research and development team in sustainable textile dyeing. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, working at the intersection of sustainability, science, and the fashion and textile industries.

The intern, as part of a dynamic team, will help increase overall execution capacity and will assist with the development of a market-ready dye, as a circular product, as part of the ongoing commercial pilot project by SeaDyes working in collaboration with leading industry partners.

Activities include assisting with running regular dyeing trials and dye application protocols in the lab and the industrial environment. Other activities include testing other dyeing methods and helping with maintaining the labs, equipment and consumables clean and disinfected. The intern will also be responsible for recording data and sending fabric samples and swatches to third-party laboratories for performance testing and establish benchmarks for industry standards. The selected candidate will work with our industry partners and will help with the development finished samples and colour swatches.

Qualifications and skills:

Needed:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, textile design, textile engineering, sustainable fashion, material science, or related field.
• A good understanding of dyeing processes including experience applying varied approaches, materials and methods.
• Experience in dyeing with natural and synthetic dyes applying various methods.
• A good understanding of colour theory.
• Technical knowledge of textile fibres and a good understanding of emerging innovations in textile fibres, textile design and knitting applications for a variety of contexts including fashion, interior and outdoor settings.
• Highly motivated individual able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, data gathering and reporting.
• Advanced skill level using Adobe design tools and visual presentation skills.
• Postgraduate level education and experience executing complex technical projects.
• Familiar with lab-based dyeing equipment.
• Certified colourist.
• Experience and understanding of natural/bio-based dyes.
• Previous experience in the fashion industry and/or working in textile dyeing facilities (industrial environment).
• A good understanding of fashion and textiles supply chains – regional and global.
• Industry experience with textile/garment production, working with designer and production teams.

The intern will receive the necessary health and safety (H&S) inductions and training required to perform their job. They will have the opportunity to interact with the broader team at SeaDyes, the James Hutton Institute, and our industry partners. If the dates align, they may also attend trade shows and visit supply chain and industry partners.

What We Offer

• Real Living Wage.
• A unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable textile dyeing.
• Hands-on experience with innovative dyeing processes and materials.
• Mentorship from industry professionals and exposure to real-world applications.
• A creative and inspiring work environment that values people, sustainability and innovation.
• Increased skill set and future career opportunities.

Our goal is to foster a positive, nurturing, and inclusive culture that encourages creativity, skill development and lateral thinking.

If you are passionate about joining a disruptive project that will shape the future of the textile industry, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via the Bright Green Business web link provided and click on the APPLY button. You will need to register in order to upload your CV and Cover Letter as your application. Please upload your CV and Cover Letter as one document.

Note:

All communication is via EMAIL so always check your JUNK MAIL/SPAM folders for our responses.

Important

a) You must be eligible to work in the U.K. for the full length of your placement. Valid Visa will be sought.

b) You must be available for the full length of your placement and be able to travel to the location.

c) We will hold your application on our systems for 6 months from submission. This ensures your application can be considered for relevant roles where appropriate. If you would prefer us not to store your information for this period, please inform us.

We do endeavour to let all applicants know of the outcome once the whole process has been finalised.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy, and maternity.