Lead Material Chemist

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Location: Nottingham (UK & EU travel required) Remuneration: Competitive salary + equity options + bonus Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Visa Sponsorship: Available for the right candidate About C4C Concrete4Change (C4C) is a deep-tech climate company developing patented CO₂-mineralisation technology to permanently lock CO₂ into concrete and reduce clinker dependency — decarbonising one of the world’s most carbon-intensive materials. Our innovation transforms waste calcium sources into a carbon-negative supplementary cementitious material, enabling durable, low-carbon concrete while producing valuable circular by-products. We have successfully scaled our process 10× and are commissioning our first pilot plant in Nottingham using real flue gas. Pilot data will directly feed into commercial demonstration systems across the UK and Europe (10–100× scale). C4C is backed by major strategic investors (including SCG and Goldbeck), collaborates with leading universities, and is securing significant public funding to accelerate industrial deployment. This is a pivotal moment to join as we scale from lab to industrial deployment and raise our next institutional round. Learn more: The Opportunity — Lead Chemist We are seeking an accomplished, hands‑on Lead Chemist to drive our chemistry roadmap, guide experimental strategy, and support scale‑up from lab to pilot and industrial environments. You will oversee core chemistry programmes spanning mineralisation mechanisms, additive formulation, crystallisation pathways, and SCM performance. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams in concrete science, engineering, and analytics to accelerate product and process development. This role is ideal for an ambitious scientist ready to lead, influence cross‑disciplinary teams, and help bring a world‑first climate technology to market. Key Responsibilities Scientific & Technical Leadership Design and lead experimental programmes for CO₂-mineralisation and SCM development Optimise crystallisation pathways, reaction conditions, and material performance Define and improve characterisation workflows (XRD, XRF, SEM, calorimetry, etc.) Support pilot plant validation and translation of lab results to industrial design Ensure rigorous scientific method, safety and quality standards Mentor scientists and technicians and foster a high-performance culture Implement structured R&D processes, documentation, and analytical discipline Work closely with process engineering and concrete teams on integrated solutions Support technical collaborations with universities, labs, and industrial partners Represent C4C in technical discussions and industry forums Funding & Reporting Contribute technical inputs to grant proposals and collaborative bids Support reporting, audits, and technical deliverables Present technical results to leadership, investors, and partners Translate data into clear development plans and decision‑making inputs Mobility Ability to travel and spend time on‑site at future demo locations (UK/EU) PhD in chemistry or materials science. 8+ years R&D experience in inorganic chemistry, materials, or mineral systems Minimum 5 years in a senior role in a startup Strong record of experimental design, data analysis, and material optimisation Hands‑on experience with analytical tools (XRD, XRF, SEM, etc.) Proven ability to lead and mentor technical staff Experience taking technology from lab research to pilot‑scale (TRL 4–7) Excellent communication skills and ability to work in fast‑moving environments Cement chemistry, SCMs, or CO₂‑mineralisation Understanding of LCA, EPDs, or environmental regulations Grant collaboration and technical reporting Experience building systems in a scale‑up environment What We Offer Strategic scientific leadership role in a fast‑growing climate‑tech company Equity and performance‑based rewards Competitive annual leave Join a mission‑driven team delivering real‑world climate impact Join us to help reinvent concrete and build a carbon‑negative industrial future. Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Research, Industries: Research Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Concrete4Change by 2x #J-18808-Ljbffr