Early Careers - Materials Scientist

This exciting career opportunity would be perfect for a Materials Science graduate with a Masters or a STEM degree with relevant experience – as this is an early careers vacancy, applicants with a PHD would be considered too senior. If you are looking for a unique role in a fast-paced and fascinating part of our business, are eternally curious about science and technology and want to be a key player in pioneering R&D projects across aerospace, nuclear energy, defence and more, then this is an opportunity for you. You will work alongside world class researchers to contribute to ground-breaking projects! This role is a unique and rare opportunity to not only grow as a scientist, but also broaden your knowledge and experience in a commercial and client orientated setting.

Job Purpose:

As a Scientist in Lucideon’s Advanced Materials team, you will be a crucial part of our innovative R&D projects. You will be joining a dynamic team of scientists and technicians working on cutting edge initiatives across diverse sectors, with a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of new ceramic materials and manufacturing technologies. You will be part of projects such as developing new armour materials, ceramics that can survive 3000C, printing teeth, sintering regolith (moon soil), encapsulating radioactive waste in geopolymers and so much more! As you grow within the role, there will be exciting and unique opportunities to oversee parts of current and future R&D projects and lead your own research projects!

Core responsibilities include:

1. Engage in every phase of advanced ceramics research, from powder processing to assessing the final sintered product.
2. Collaborate with a team of technicians and scientists to deliver R&D and consultancy projects. Utilise diverse processing techniques, including pressing, casting, spray drying, 3D printing and sintering.
3. Perform routine tests such as powder characterization, rheology studies, thermal analysis, microscope observations, mechanical tests, etc.
4. Write technical reports and other documentation, and present findings at project meetings.
5. Keep clear and accurate records of tests/experiments and materials used.
6. Adhere to and improve on safety protocols and maintain awareness of potential hazards associated with laboratory work, including contributing to Risk Assessments and SOPs.
7. Act as a role model and mentor to a team of Materials Science Degree Apprentices.

Key Person Qualifications & Experience:

1. Graduate in Materials Science with a Masters in Materials Science OR Graduate in a STEM field with relevant experience (minimum of 2 years with lab experience). Applicants with a PHD would be considered too senior for this role.
2. An eternal curiosity around science and technology, further supported through various professional and personal development opportunities.
3. Ability to conduct literature reviews demonstrated through previous reports and assignments.
4. General knowledge of materials science and engineering (knowledge of advanced ceramics and composites would be an advantage).
5. Experience in materials testing techniques (at least one of the following: hardness testing, rheology measurements, microscope observations, mechanical testing or thermal analysis).
6. Adherence to safety protocols and awareness of hazards in a laboratory environment and ability to follow methods, standards and procedures.
7. Good time management skills with flexibility to work on multiple projects.
8. Ability to perform manual handling activities.
9. Strong work ethic, ability to work collaboratively, a tenacious problem solver.

Knowledge or experience in the following would be an advantage:

• Ceramics and/or composite materials
• CAD
• Relevant materials science software, such as Ansys Granta, Image J, Comsol, Python

Core Features & Benefits:

1. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
2. Onsite at our office in Stone, Staffordshire
3. Private Medical Insurance (including a cash plan to pay most excesses, and the option to enrol other family members)
4. Medical Cash Plan
5. Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays (including Christmas shutdown)
6. Pension scheme (matched up to 5%)
7. Onsite Mental Health First Aiders
8. Life Assurance up to four times basic salary
9. Professional development support with internal and external opportunities to learn and grow

Ready to kickstart your Materials Science career journey? Apply now by emailing a CV to