Job Title: Lead Chemist (flexible title)Location: Nottingham (UK & EU travel required)Remuneration: Competitive salary + equity options + bonusStart Date: ImmediateContract Type: Full-timeVisa Sponsorship: Available for the right candidateAbout C4CConcrete4Change (C4C) is a deep-tech climate company developing patented CO₂-mineralisation technology to permanently lock CO₂ into concrete and reduce clinker dependency — decarbonising one of the world’s most carbon-intensive materials.Our innovation transforms waste calcium sources into a carbon-negative supplementary cementitious material, enabling durable, low-carbon concrete while producing valuable circular by-products.We have successfully scaled our process 10× and are commissioning our first pilot plant in Nottingham using real flue gas. Pilot data will directly feed into commercial demonstration systems across the UK and Europe (10–100× scale).C4C is backed by major strategic investors (including SCG and Goldbeck), collaborates with leading universities, and is securing significant public funding to accelerate industrial deployment.This is a pivotal moment to join as we scale from lab to industrial deployment and raise our next institutional round.Learn more: • Tech Overview: • Lab Day: • Team Perspective: • Founder Story: Opportunity — Lead ChemistWe are seeking an accomplished, hands-on Lead Chemist to drive our chemistry roadmap, guide experimental strategy, and support scale-up from lab to pilot and industrial environments.You will oversee core chemistry programmes spanning mineralisation mechanisms, additive formulation, crystallisation pathways, and SCM performance. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in concrete science, engineering, and analytics to accelerate product and process development.This role is ideal for an ambitious scientist ready to lead, influence cross-disciplinary teams, and help bring a world-first climate technology to market.Key ResponsibilitiesScientific & Technical Leadership• Design and lead experimental programmes for CO₂-mineralisation and SCM development • Optimise crystallisation pathways, reaction conditions, and material performance • Define and improve characterisation workflows (XRD, XRF, SEM, calorimetry, etc.) • Support pilot plant validation and translation of lab results to industrial design • Ensure rigorous scientific method, safety and quality standardsTeam Leadership & Delivery• Mentor scientists and technicians and foster a high-performance culture • Implement structured R&D processes, documentation, and analytical discipline • Work closely with process engineering and concrete teams on integrated solutionsInnovation & Partnerships• Support technical collaborations with universities, labs, and industrial partners • Represent C4C in technical discussions and industry forumsFunding & Reporting• Contribute technical inputs to grant proposals and collaborative bids • Support reporting, audits, and technical deliverablesCommunication & Strategy• Present technical results to leadership, investors, and partners • Translate data into clear development plans and decision-making inputsMobility• Ability to travel and spend time on-site at future demo locations (UK/EU)Essential Requirements• PhD in chemistry or materials science. • 8+ years R&D experience in inorganic chemistry, materials, or mineral systems • Minimum 5 years in a senior role in a startup • Strong record of experimental design, data analysis, and material optimisation • Hands-on experience with analytical tools (XRD, XRF, SEM, etc.) • Proven ability to lead and mentor technical staff • Experience taking technology from lab research to pilot-scale (TRL 4–7) • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in fast-moving environmentsDesirable Experience• Cement chemistry, SCMs, or CO₂-mineralisation • Industrial crystallisation, mineral processing, or CCU • Concrete testing / mix optimisation exposure • Understanding of LCA, EPDs, or environmental regulations • Grant collaboration and technical reporting • Experience building systems in a scale-up environmentWhat We Offer• Strategic scientific leadership role in a fast-growing climate-tech company • Equity and performance-based rewards • Private health insurance & pension • Competitive annual leave • Join a mission-driven team delivering real-world climate impactJoin us to help reinvent concrete and build a carbon-negative industrial future.
Job Title
Lead Material Chemist