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

The Role

We are looking to recruit a dedicated Junior Mineralogist / Geomaterials Scientist to join our highly motivated team. This is an exciting opportunity at a time of significant growth, working on high-profile projects of local, national, and international significance. You will assist in delivering petrological and mineralogical consultancy projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Sample logistics: Recording and preparing samples for testing.
• Laboratory testing: Conducting routine mineralogical, petrographic, and mundic tests.
• Instrumentation: Operating optical/polarising microscopes, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and ancillary software.
• Material analysis: Analysing concrete, aggregate, natural stone, rock core, and ore samples.
• Standards compliance: Working in accordance with in-house, UK, European, and American technical standards.
• Skill development: Developing expert skills in macroscopic and microscopic identification.

About You

The desired candidate will be an inquisitive graduate geologist, earth scientist, or materials scientist. You must demonstrate a desire to learn quickly within a fast-moving commercial consultancy.

Requirements:

• Right to work: You must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment.
• Microscopy skills: Prior experience in optical microscopy of basic sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks is essential.
• Applied experience: Demonstration of optical microscopy in project work, dissertations, or post-graduate projects outside of base university modules.
• Location: This role is based in Redruth, Cornwall. Due to the nature of analytical work, there is very limited opportunity for remote working.
• Physical ability: Capable of manual handling, as the role involves moving aggregate, concrete, stone, and ore samples.

Note: Experience in concrete petrography is not required, as this will be taught on the job.

Key Skills & Qualifications

• A degree (post-graduate qualification preferred) in a relevant geological or engineering discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• University-level training in petrography and optical mineralogy (reflected light analysis skills are highly desirable).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A keen eye for precision and strict attention to detail.
• Strong IT skills and a professional approach to teamwork.
• Prior experience with laboratory procedures and technical standards is an advantage.

Salary & Benefits

Petrolab supports the professional development and personal growth of its staff with training and a range of benefits:

• Salary: Starting salary of £24,800 (subject to annual review).
• Hours: Standard 37.5-hour work week.
• Holiday: 33 days holiday per year (including bank holidays).
• Pension: Employer contributory pension.
• Health: Private health insurance.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@petrolab.co.uk.

Experienced Practitioners

Whilst this position is opened at a graduate/junior level, we are also keen to hear from applicants with prior professional experience in the geological analysis of natural and man-made construction materials. We welcome enquiries from candidates with established skills in petrographic analysis and petrographic microscope usage. For more information, please contact recruitment@petrolab.co.uk