Formulation Scientist - Concrete Admixtures

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading innovator at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre as a Formulation Scientist. You will lead the development and scale-up of graphene-enhanced concrete formulations, advancing sustainable construction technologies. With a focus on your expertise in chemical formulation and innovative materials, this role offers an opportunity to impact the future of the industry.

Benefits

Access to training and workshops

Support for further education

Collaborative and diverse team culture

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industrial experience in relevant fields.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in concrete admixture or chemical formulation.
• Strong laboratory skills and familiarity with nanomaterials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise formulations for graphene-enhanced concrete admixtures.
• Support scale-up from bench to pilot and production scale.
• Maintain clear technical records and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Material formulation

Process development

Testing

Communication

Time-management

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Description

Location: Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, University of Manchester

Type: Full-time, laboratory-based

Salary: £25-35k

About the Role

Concretene is advancing low-carbon concrete technologies through cutting-edge nanomaterial integration. We’re seeking a Formulation Scientist to lead the development, optimisation and scale-up of next- admixture systems incorporating advanced materials. Based at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), this role is ideal for a technically skilled, hands-on formulation chemist eager to innovate in sustainable construction materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise formulations for graphene-enhanced concrete admixtures, ensuring dispersion quality and product stability.
• Improve existing formulations through iterative R&D and targeted performance enhancements.
• Support scale-up from bench to pilot and production scale, collaborating with manufacturing teams.
• Maintain clear technical records and contribute to internal reports, presentations, and product data sheets.
• Liaise with multidisciplinary project teams, technical partners, and commercial stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

• PhD or equivalent industrial experience in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in concrete admixture or chemical formulation development, preferably including water-reducers, superplasticisers, or other performance-enhancing additives.
• Strong laboratory skills, with experience in material formulation, process development, and testing.
• Familiarity with nanomaterials and their incorporation into chemical systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Strong organisational, documentation and time-management abilities.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in scale-up of formulations from lab to commercial production.
• Knowledge of admixture production processes and quality control practices.
• Prior experience collaborating with industry partners or R&D consortia.
• Awareness of low-carbon construction technologies and material sustainability.

What We Offer

Cutting-Edge Innovation

• Work at the forefront of materials science, contributing to world-first applications of graphene-enhanced concrete.
• Collaborate with leading researchers and engineers at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) and The University of Manchester.

Purpose-Driven Impact

• Be part of a mission to decarbonise the construction industry and tackle climate change through real-world innovation.
• Contribute to projects that have global significance in sustainable infrastructure.

Learning & Development

• Access to training, workshops and mentoring to support your technical and professional growth.

Collaborative Culture

• Join a diverse, inclusive and multidisciplinary team that values curiosity, creativity and open communication.
• Participate in team-building activities and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Career Progression

• Clear pathways for advancement within the lab and across research, engineering and project management roles.
• Support for further education or professional certification in materials science, civil engineering or sustainability.

Recognition & Contribution

• Your ideas and input will be valued - whether you're improving a process, solving a technical challenge, or shaping the future of sustainable construction.