At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in mineralogical consultancy projects and conduct routine tests on various materials.
- Company: Petrolab, a growing geological consultancy based in Redruth, Cornwall.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £24,000, 33 days holiday, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Limited remote work; excellent career progression opportunities available.
- Why this job: Join a motivated team and develop your skills in a dynamic consultancy environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in geology or earth sciences; experience in petrography is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 25000 € per year.
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.
Location: Redruth, Cornwall
Salary: £24,000 - £25,000
Hours: Full-time
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: 28th February 2026
Role: We are looking to recruit a Junior Mineralogist to assist in providing petrological and mineralogical consultancy projects to clients in the minerals, mining and construction materials industries. The role involves routine mineralogical and petrographic tests, recording and preparing samples for testing, and operating scientific instrumentation and software (e.g., scanning electron microscope, optical microscopes and ancillary equipment) to analyse a broad range of materials including concrete, aggregate, rock core and mineral processing samples in accordance with a variety of in‑house, UK, European and American technical standards. A key focus is on developing skills in macroscopic identification and the application of geological knowledge to different materials, as thorough knowledge and these skills underpin key areas of our business including mundic testing, automated mineralogical classification and geomaterials examination.
The desired candidate will be a graduate geologist or earth scientist with a desire to learn quickly and an aptitude for working in a fast‑moving commercial consultancy delivering multiple projects to defined timescales. You will be joining a highly motivated and experienced team of Junior, Project and Senior 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. This role is based in Redruth, 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.
Key Skills:
- A degree in a relevant geological or engineering discipline or equivalent work experience
- University level training or equivalent 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
- Ability to work professionally as part of a team
- Good IT skills
- Manual handling – 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
Benefits:
- Starting salary £24,000 (subject to annual review)
- Standard 37.5 hr week
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Employer contributory pension
- Private health insurance
Additional Experience: While the role is targeted at graduates and juniors, we are also keen to hear from applicants with prior professional experience in the geological analysis of natural and manufactured construction materials, particularly if that experience includes petrographic analysis and the use of a petrographic microscope.
Junior Mineralogist in Cornwall employer: Petrolab Limited
Petrolab is an exceptional employer located in the scenic town of Redruth, Cornwall, offering a dynamic work environment where you can grow your skills as a Junior Mineralogist. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities for career progression, alongside a competitive salary and generous benefits including 33 days of holiday and private health insurance. Join our motivated team and contribute to meaningful projects in the mining and construction materials industries while enjoying the supportive culture that defines Petrolab.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Mineralogist in Cornwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the geology and mineralogy fields on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Junior Mineralogist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and practical skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to mineralogy and petrology, so you can showcase your expertise and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight any relevant experience, even if it’s from university projects or internships. We want to see how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios, so make sure to share those stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Petrolab.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Mineralogist in Cornwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Mineralogist role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in petrography and mineral analysis, and don’t forget to mention your degree or any related qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you’re excited about working at Petrolab and how your skills align with their needs.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you have experience with scientific instrumentation or software, make sure to include specific examples of how you've used these in past projects or studies.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us, so we can review it promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Petrolab Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your geological knowledge, especially in areas like petrography and mineralogy. Familiarise yourself with the types of materials you'll be working with, such as concrete and rock core samples, so you can confidently discuss them during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
Since this role is all about developing new skills, express your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Share examples of how you've quickly picked up new concepts or techniques in the past, whether in your studies or previous work experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Petrolab values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in a team setting. Highlight any collaborative projects you've been part of and how you contributed to achieving common goals, showcasing your dynamic work ethic.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. You might want to ask about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates on projects, which can also give you insight into the company culture.
