Materials Scientist

SRG; Sedgefield; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

SRG is seeking a Research Scientist 1 to join the Materials Science team in Sedgefield on a fixed-term 12-month basis. This role focuses on hands-on laboratory work, materials development, and characterisation to address real customer challenges in sustainable materials, functional materials and coatings.

You will contribute to multiple projects, develop technical knowledge across a broad range of materials, and gain opportunities to progress toward independent research and potential project

Qualifications

• Degree in a materials-related discipline with strong scientific foundations.
• Experience with materials development or laboratory-based research from university or industry.
• Good problem-solving, analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute laboratory-based materials science experiments.
• Develop and characterise materials, perform testing and analysis.
• Analyse data, interpret results and present findings to teams.
• Maintain accurate lab records, reports and documentation.
• Work across multiple projects, adapting to priorities and customer needs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and to standard.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Organisation

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

BSc or MSc in Chemical Engineering (materials)

BSc or MSc in Physics (materials)

Equivalent degree in related field

Job description

Research Scientist 1 – Materials Science

Sedgefield | Fixed Term 12 Months | £26,939 - £34,939 per annum (dependent on experience)

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist 1 to join a highly innovative Materials Science team.

This role is ideally suited to an early-career scientist who is passionate about materials science and eager to develop their technical expertise within an industrial research environment. We're not necessarily looking for extensive industry experience; we're looking for someone with strong scientific foundations, curiosity, adaptability and the potential to grow into an independent researcher.

As part of a collaborative team, you'll contribute to the delivery of multiple research and innovation projects simultaneously, working alongside colleagues from a variety of scientific and engineering backgrounds. You will play a hands‑on role in laboratory‑based research, undertaking experimentation, materials development, characterisation and testing activities to help solve real‑world challenges for our customers, in areas such as sustainable materials, functional materials and coatings

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the design, planning and execution of laboratory‑based materials science experiments.
• Carrying out materials development, characterisation, testing and analysis activities.
• Analysing and interpreting experimental results and presenting findings to colleagues and project teams.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records, technical reports and supporting documentation.
• Working across multiple projects simultaneously, adapting to changing priorities and customer requirements.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovation projects to agreed timescales and quality standards.
• Supporting the preparation of technical reports and project deliverables for customers.
• Contributing to safe working practices and maintaining laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Developing your technical knowledge and research capability through exposure to a broad range of materials science projects.

About You:

We're interested in individuals with strong scientific potential who are keen to develop a career in applied research and development.

You may have:

• A degree (BSc, MSc or equivalent) in:
• Chemical Engineering (with a materials focus)
• Physics (with a materials focus)
• Or a related scientific discipline
• Experience of materials development, materials characterisation or laboratory‑based research gained through university projects, placements, internships or industry.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with colleagues and customers as your career develops.

Particularly Relevant Experience

Whilst not essential, we would be interested in candidates with knowledge or experience of:

• Microscopy (SEM, AFM)
• Thermal analysis
• Rheology and material testing
• Functional materials and coatings
• Materials formulation and testing

What We're Looking For:

This role would suit someone who:

• Enjoys hands‑on laboratory work.
• Can work across a variety of projects and scientific challenges.
• Is adaptable, inquisitive and eager to learn.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Has the potential to develop into a customer‑facing scientist and future project leader.
• Wants to make a real impact through applied research and innovation.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly diverse technical team, working on projects that span multiple sectors and technologies. You'll gain exposure to a broad range of materials science challenges, working with experienced scientists and engineers while developing the skills needed to become an independent researcher and technical specialist.

Whether you've recently graduated or already have some laboratory experience, if you're excited by the prospect of solving complex scientific problems and helping bring innovative technologies to market, we'd love to hear from you.