Junior Geomaterials Scientist

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 clients, helping them evaluate the potential of their mineral resources and solve materials-related problems.

Redruth, Cornwall, UK

£24,000 – £25,000

Full time

Permanent

28 February 2026

Petrolab is recruiting a dedicated Junior Geomaterials Scientist to join our Geomaterials team. The role involves supporting petrological and mineralogical consultancy projects for clients in the minerals, mining and construction materials industries. Key tasks include sampling logistics, routine mineralogical and petrographic tests, preparation of samples for testing and operation of scientific instrumentation and software (e.g. scanning electron microscope, optical polarising microscopes) to analyse materials such as concrete, aggregate, natural stone, rock core and other samples in accordance with in‑house, UK, European and American technical standards.

• Assist in the delivery of petrological and mineralogical projects across a range of client industries.
• Prepare and record samples for testing, ensuring compliance with laboratory procedures and technical standards.
• Operate scientific instrumentation and software to analyse diverse materials (e.g. concrete petrography, aggregate, stone).
• Contribute to macroscopic and microscopic identification of materials and apply geological knowledge to support testing, classification and examination.
• Collaborate with senior geomaterials scientists and mineralogists within a fast‑moving commercial consultancy environment.

• Graduate geologist, earth scientist or materials scientist with post‑graduate qualification or relevant degree.
• University‑level training or equivalent experience in petrography and optical mineralogy; skills in reflected light analysis highly desirable.
• Prior experience in optical microscopy of basic sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks; knowledge of concrete petrography valued.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Dynamic work ethic, ability to learn quickly and develop new skills.
• Proficiency with standard IT tools; manual handling experience in a laboratory setting.
• Attention to detail, precision, and ability to work to internal and internationally recognised standards.

• Starting salary £24,000 (subject to annual review).
• Standard 37.5‑hour week.
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays).
• Employer‑contributory pension.
• Private health insurance.

To be considered, applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the commencement of employment.