Materials Scientist / Physicist / Engineer — Thermal Materials

Manchester Nanomaterials Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Manchester Nanomaterials Ltd in Manchester is seeking a materials scientist/physicist/engineer to lead hands-on experimental work in a funded programme on advanced materials for thermal management. You will develop and process materials, run experiments and characterise properties, guiding improvements in performance, processing and reproducibility.

The role welcomes both early-career researchers and experienced scientists, with ownership and practical judgement valued over fixed years of

Qualifications

• Hands-on experimental work to develop materials for thermal management.
• Experience delivering experimental work and interpreting results.
• Understanding of heat transfer and material behaviour is preferred.
• Strong organisation, critical thinking and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and process materials to improve performance and reproducibility.
• Design experiments to study composition, structure and processing effects.
• Characterise samples and compare with benchmarks using reliable data.
• Set research priorities and track milestones across projects.
• Maintain lab records, reports and support IP development.
• Develop and troubleshoot experimental equipment; use CAD and coding where useful.
• Assist relocation and setup of the laboratory and workflows.

Skills

Experimental work

Heat transfer understanding

Materials characterisation

Data analysis

Communication of results

Education

Physics, Materials Science, or Engineering degree

Master’s or PhD desirable

Tools

CAD

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Full-time, fixed-term for 12 months initially, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and business needs.

About the role

Manchester Nanomaterials develops and supplies specialist materials for research and industry. We are looking for a materials scientist, physicist or engineer to lead experimental work within a funded programme developing advanced materials for thermal management.

This is predominantly a hands-on laboratory role. You will develop and process materials, prepare samples, run experiments and characterise their properties. Your results will guide improvements in performance, processing and reproducibility. Alongside this practical work, you will set research priorities and take responsibility for technical delivery.

We welcome early-career researchers and experienced scientists. Practical ability, scientific judgement and readiness to take ownership matter more than a fixed number of years’ experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and process materials, refining formulations and methods to improve performance, consistency and reproducibility.
• Design and carry out experiments to understand how composition, structure, processing and interfaces affect material properties.
• Characterise samples, compare performance with relevant benchmarks and use reliable measurements and data analysis to guide development.
• Set research priorities, track milestones, coordinate external contributions and communicate progress, risks and next steps.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices, clear sample histories and technical records; prepare reports and support customer evaluation and intellectual-property development.
• Develop and troubleshoot experimental equipment, using basic CAD, scientific scripting and AI coding tools where useful.
• Support the relocation and setup of our existing laboratory in a dedicated industrial unit, including equipment layout, commissioning and experimental workflows.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree in physics, materials science, engineering or a related discipline. A relevant Master’s or PhD is desirable but not essential.
• Evidence of delivering experimental work independently and solving practical materials problems.
• An understanding of heat transfer and materials behaviour, with experience in materials characterisation, thermal measurements or related experimental work.
• The ability to organise technical work, interpret results critically and communicate findings clearly.

Working awareness of CAD and scientific coding, such as Python or MATLAB, would be useful, alongside an interest in using AI coding tools critically. Experience with advanced materials, thermal management, instrument automation or thermal modelling is also welcome. Deep expertise in every area is welcome but not expected.

What we offer

• A base salary commensurate with the role’s responsibilities.
• A discretionary performance bonus assessed against agreed technical and project milestones.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays, with alternative bank-holiday dates available by prior agreement.
• Paid company closure between Christmas and New Year, separate from annual leave.
• Scientific autonomy and scope for progression as the technology and team develop.

Working arrangements

The role is primarily in person and laboratory-based in Manchester. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements that support experimental work and project delivery. The start date can accommodate notice periods and relocation; temporary part-time or hybrid arrangements may be considered.

We cannot currently provide visa sponsorship.

Selection includes an initial conversation, a technical discussion about previous work and a mini project.

Manchester Nanomaterials is an equal-opportunities employer.