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Materials Scientist Jobs

Experts who design, develop, and characterise advanced materials. A role at the heart of innovation, from nanomaterials to biomaterials.

Open roles
4
Salary range
£29k – £59k
Hiring companies
5
View 4 live roles → Get an alert

Materials Scientists are at the forefront of developing and characterising advanced materials that drive technological advancements. They work in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, focusing on everything from polymers and nanomaterials to biomaterials and metallurgy. These scientists conduct experiments, analyse data, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create materials with unique properties and applications.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Materials Scientist

A typical week for a Materials Scientist is a mix of laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with other researchers.

  1. 01
    Conduct experiments to test material properties
  2. 02
    Analyse data and prepare reports
  3. 03
    Collaborate with engineers and other scientists
  4. 04
    Attend project meetings and present findings
  5. 05
    Write research papers and technical documents
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and industry trends
Salary on the board

£29k – £59k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 6 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
17% of listings advertise a salary.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 2 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Materials Science
100%
Python
100%
Ceramics
50%
Materials Characterisation
50%
Process Optimisation
50%
Laboratory Testing
50%
Data Analysis
50%
Modelling and Simulation
50%
Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials (MLIP)
50%
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
50%
Generative Models
50%
Computational Chemistry
50%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for materials scientists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Materials Scientist

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in experiments, data collection, and basic material characterisation under supervision.

  2. Level 2

    Materials Scientist

    3–5 yrs

    Lead specific projects, design experiments, and contribute to the development of new materials.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Materials Scientist

    6–10 yrs

    Manage multiple projects, mentor junior scientists, and play a key role in strategic research initiatives.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Materials Scientist

    10+ yrs

    Oversee large-scale research programmes, lead innovation, and influence the direction of materials science within the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a Materials Scientist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field.

  2. 2

    Research Experience

    Gain practical experience through internships, research assistant roles, or PhD projects.

  3. 3

    Entry-Level Position

    Start as a Junior Materials Scientist, assisting in experiments and data analysis.

  4. 4

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in a specific area of materials science, such as nanomaterials or biomaterials.

  5. 5

    Leadership Roles

    Progress to Senior Materials Scientist, managing projects and mentoring junior team members.

  6. 6

    Strategic Influence

    Advance to Principal Materials Scientist, shaping the future of materials science in your organisation.

Live jobs

4 live roles

Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist

This role involves hands-on laboratory analysis of pharmaceutical materials, focusing on particle size, microscopy, and material characterisation. The scientist will conduct physical and analytical testing to support product development and technical investigations, using techniques such as BET, XRF, and XRD. The position requires strong data recording, problem-solving, and experience with analytical instrumentation in a pharmaceutical or related testing environment.

NMS Recruit Ltd t/a Russell Taylor Group Bromborough, Merseyside, United Kingdom £30,000 – £32,000 pa

Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist

Conducts laboratory analysis of pharmaceutical materials using techniques like particle size analysis, microscopy, and surface area testing. Performs physical and analytical testing to support product development and troubleshooting. Works with advanced instrumentation including XRF and XRD while ensuring accurate data recording and interpretation.

Russell Taylor Group Ch627Ha, United Kingdom £30,000 – £32,000 pa

Principal Scientist/Engineer - Battery Materials

Principal Scientist / Engineer - Battery MaterialsPermanent | Sedgefield | £49,045 - £65,045About the RoleWe are seeking aPrincipal Scientist / Engineer to join a growing technology team focused on battery materials, process development, and scale-up activities.This is a senior technical...

SRG County Durham, United Kingdom £49,045 – £65,045 pa
PhysicsX logo

Research Scientist - Material Modelling

Conduct research to develop and apply machine learning interatomic potentials for atomistic systems, using state-of-the-art frameworks and large-scale datasets. Collaborate across disciplines to translate models into production-ready simulation pipelines, publish findings, and mentor team members. Work spans computational chemistry, materials science, and high-performance computing in a high-impact industrial R&D environment.

PhysicsX London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Materials Scientists are hired by a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing.

  • Essential skills include a strong background in chemistry and physics, proficiency in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and the ability to work collaboratively.

  • Career progression typically starts with entry-level roles, moves through specialisation and leadership, and culminates in strategic influence within the organisation.

  • Salary ranges vary based on experience and industry. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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