Concrete Technologist

Material Evolution is a materials technology company founded in 2020 by CEO, Dr. Liz Gilligan and headquartered in Middlesbrough with offices in London and Wrexham. With a successful £15 million Series A funding round in summer '23 and our cutting-edge production facility in North Wales, we are on track to eliminate gigatons of carbon emissions.

We’re an ever-expanding team of innovators, scientists, and experts, combining our unique blend of experience, skills, and expertise to drive change in the cement and concrete industry.

Join us, and be part of a groundbreaking effort to build a more sustainable world, one material at a time.

About This Role and the Impact You Will Have:

Material Evolution is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Concrete Technologist to join our cutting-edge R&D team. In this critical role, you will lead efforts in the research, development, and optimization of advanced concrete formulations that align with our sustainability and innovation goals. You will play a pivotal role in transforming the concrete and construction industry by developing materials that significantly reduce environmental impact, directly addressing one of the world’s most significant contributors to carbon emissions.

Your work will directly influence the development of eco-friendly, high-performance cements, enabling Material Evolution to be a global leader in sustainable construction solutions. By working closely with experts across disciplines, including material scientists, engineers, and project managers, you will help us pioneer next-generation concrete technologies that enhance durability, reduce carbon footprints, and meet the highest standards of performance and sustainability.

This is more than just a research role – your contributions will be central to shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for the construction industry, as we strive to set new benchmarks in material innovation.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Spearhead the research, development, and testing of innovative concrete formulations with a strong focus on sustainability, durability, and performance.
• Work on the development of cementitious materials and alternative binders that meet or exceed industry standards while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
• Optimise concrete mix designs through experimentation and analysis, focusing on enhancing material properties such as strength, durability, workability, and setting times.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and additives, such as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and other advanced components that contribute to greener concrete solutions.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams of scientists, engineers, and industry experts to integrate advanced concrete technologies into practical applications across various projects.
• Act as a technical resource to ensure that new concrete technologies are scalable and can be applied efficiently in real-world construction scenarios.
• Stay up-to-date with cutting-edge developments in concrete and cement technology, and contribute thought leadership to drive innovation in low-carbon and eco-friendly concrete solutions.
• Analyse test results and translate findings into actionable recommendations for product improvements and innovations.
• Collaborate with external partners such as academic institutions, research bodies, and suppliers to further enhance the potential of our concrete technologies.

Key Skills and Experience Required:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline, with a specialisation in concrete technology or cementitious materials.
• Experience in concrete mix design, testing, and performance evaluation, with knowledge of industry standards like EN196 and Flex350, BS-8820 / BS-8500 ensuring compliance with structural and durability performance criteria.
• In-depth knowledge of cement chemistry, concrete hydration processes, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and admixtures.
• Practical experience in low-carbon concrete and sustainable cement technologies, with a strong understanding of emerging trends such as geopolymer concrete and alternative cement formulations.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory testing methods for concrete and cement, including compressive strength tests, durability testing, workability assessment, and rheological evaluations.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and project managers across various disciplines.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and an innovative mindset, with a passion for material evolution and the drive to improve the sustainability of construction materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, presentations, and cross-functional collaboration.

Our Benefits and Perks:

At Material Evolution, we provide everything you need to perform at your best. Our rewards, benefits, and initiatives are designed to support your career growth, enhance your well-being, and contribute positively to our community.

Along with a competitive salary, we offer an outstanding benefits package, including 25 days holiday (plus an extra day for your birthday), cycle to work scheme, learning budget and social events. We're passionate about well-being, which is why we've partnered with a leading healthcare provider and offer a wellness allowance.

We’re creating an environment and culture where every individual feels safe and empowered to do their best work. We believe in everyone being treated and paid fairly, no matter their age, sex, ethnic background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.