Job Description

Graduate Materials Scientist

Location:

Ellesmere Port

Department:

Technical

Reporting to:

Technical Manager

Remuneration:

Salary: 28,000, 25 days holiday plus Bank Holiday, Pension, Private medical.

Hours Monday - Friday 37.5 hours per week.

Less Common Metals (LCM) is seeking a highly motivated

Materials Scientist

to join its Technical Department. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing advanced metals and alloys while supporting innovative manufacturing processes in a technically challenging and collaborative environment.

The successful candidate will apply materials science expertise to drive new product development, optimise existing processes, and contribute to national and international research programmes. The role offers exposure to both pilot-scale and full-scale production operations, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development of metals and alloys from concept through to production-scale implementation, including laboratory and plant trials. Design, execute, and analyse experimental programmes to validate alloy compositions, processing routes, and material performance. Evaluate and qualify raw materials, developing and maintaining internal material specifications. Perform advanced materials characterisation using optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, and XRD, correlating microstructure with processing conditions and properties. Provide technical support to manufacturing processes such as vacuum induction melting, strip casting, and powder production through troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities. Support cost reduction, process efficiency improvements, and enhanced product quality and yield. Contribute to funded national and international R&D programmes, working with universities, research organisations, and industrial partners. Support health, safety, and environmental assessments related to new materials and pilot-scale operations. Occasional international travel to support collaborative projects may be required.

About You

Essential Requirements

Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline. Experience working with metals and alloys, including melting and casting processes and metallurgical processing. Strong skills in microstructural analysis, including sample preparation and the use of optical microscopy and SEM. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a practical, hands-on approach. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Desirable

Experience with rare earth elements or specialty metals. Familiarity with vacuum induction melting, strip casting, or powder metallurgy processes.

Why Join LCM?

Opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced materials development. Involvement in cutting-edge R&D and industrial-scale innovation. Collaborative, technically driven working environment. Competitive salary and benefits package. Professional development and career progression opportunities.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 26,183.57-28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Private dental insurance Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person