Junior Geomaterials Scientist

Petrolab is a successful and growing geological consultancy providing support services to the mining, minerals processing, materials and construction industries worldwide from its base in Redruth, Cornwall, UK. We provide dependable and accessible interpretative reporting to our clients helping them evaluate the potential of their mineral resources and solve materials related problems.

We are looking to recruit a dedicated Junior Geomaterials Scientist to join our Geomaterials team. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity at a time of significant growth for the Company, supported by our technically experienced Geomaterials and Mineralogy teams working on high profile projects of local, national and international significance.

Throughout the role you will assist in providing petrological and mineralogical consultancy projects to clients in the minerals, mining and construction materials industries. This includes the preparation of sections and polished blocks from geological and construction materials for microscopic analysis, routine mineralogical and petrographic tests, recording and preparing samples for testing and operation of scientific instrumentation and software (e.g. scanning electron microscope, optical/polarising microscopes and ancillary equipment) to analyse a broad range of materials including concrete, aggregate, natural stone, rock core and other samples in accordance with a variety of in-house, UK, European and American technical standards. As a Junior Geomaterials Scientist a key focus is put on developing skills in macroscopic identification and application of geological knowledge to different materials, as thorough knowledge and these skills underpin key areas of our business including mundic testing, mineralogical classification and geomaterials examination.

The desired candidate will be a graduate geologist, earth scientist or materials scientist and be able to demonstrate a desire to learn quickly with an aptitude for working in a fast-moving commercial consultancy delivering multiple projects to defined timescales. Prior experience in optical microscopy of basic sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks is essential, with skills in concrete petrography to be taught on the job by our highly experienced team of petrographers. You will be joining a highly motivated team of other junior and senior Geomaterials Scientists & Mineralogists. Ideally you will have some previous work experience within a relevant industry sector and/or experience working to relevant laboratory procedures and technical standards. However, you will receive training and opportunities to gain new competencies and facilitate your progression within the company. 

A successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a career in often challenging and critical investigations in construction materials. As such the role is well suited to an individual with an inquisitive mind and keen investigative skills. 

• A degree in a relevant geological or engineering discipline or have equivalent work experience
• University level training or equivalent work experience in petrography and optical mineralogy with skills in reflected light analysis highly desirable
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Dynamic work ethic to learn and develop new skills
• Work professionally as part of a team
• Good IT skills
• Manual handling - the role involves handling of aggregate, concrete, stone and ore samples within a laboratory environment
• A keen eye for precision and attention to detail 
• Ability to work to internal and internationally recognised standards and procedures 

This role is based in Redruth, Cornwall, well situated in the historic mining heartland of Cornwall. Due to the nature of analytical work there is very limited opportunity for remote working. You must have the right to permanently work in the UK.

Petrolab supports the professional development and personal growth of its staff with training and a range of benefits.

• Starting salary £23,500 (subject to annual review)
• Standard 37.5 hr week
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Employer contributory pension
• Private health insurance

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Petrolab’s future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us?

Whilst this position has been opened at a graduate/junior level we are also keen to hear from applicants with prior professional experience in the geological analysis of natural and man-made construction materials. For more information please contact recruitment@petrolab.co.uk. 

No agencies, thank you.