Junior Mineralogist

About the Job

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.

Redruth, Cornwall

£24,000 - £25,000

Full-time

Permanent

28th February 2026

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.

• 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

• 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

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.