Job Discription

Role Overview

Alive Labs is seeking a Materials Scientist with a background in cement chemistry, mineral binders, or novel inorganic/organic composites to advance our proprietary carbon-negative material platform.

You’ll work at the frontier between chemistry, sustainability, and computation, refining and re-imagining the chemistry behind Terranite® our engineered substrate material for bioreceptivity and ultra-low embodied carbon.

This is a hands-on research and development role combining experimental design, analytical testing, and data-driven discovery. You’ll collaborate closely with universities, engineers, and product designers to translate breakthrough materials into real-world architectural systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to optimise mix formulation, mixing processes, and curing processes.

• Characterise mechanical and microstructural performance (compressive, flexural, SEM, XRD, TGA/FTIR) mix of in-house and Bath University testing.

• Investigate mineral-organic and additive interactions to enhance carbon sequestration and performance.

• Collaborate and coordinate with Universities to run test protocols and packages collecting performance data.

• Develop datasets linking composition to performance outcomes; (advantageous) if candidate can apply AI/ML tools for analysis or discovery.

• Interface with life-cycle performance and consultant with to embed embodied-carbon metrics in formulation development.

• Support IP filings and contribute to scientific publications and conference outputs.

Requirements

Essential

• PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Civil Engineering with a focus on cementitious or binders.

• Strong grasp of hydration chemistry, pozzolanic reactions, an interest in SCM systems, geopolymers and organic binders

• Experience in mechanical testing.

• Demonstrated capability to analyse and model complex datasets.

• Curiosity-driven mindset — comfortable innovating beyond traditional cement systems.

Desirable

• Experience with AI-driven or data-assisted materials discovery.

• Knowledge of organic binders

• Familiarity with LCA or EN 15804 methodology.

• Experience interfacing with multi-disciplinary design or product teams.

• Published research or patents in materials innovation or sustainable construction.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to pioneer the next generation of carbon-negative construction materials.

• Collaborative environment bridging science, design, and fabrication.

• Access to state-of-the-art partner facilities (University of Bath, Sustainable Ventures).

• Exposure to Innovate UK and EU-level R&D projects.

• Competitive salary and flexible working structure (London / hybrid).