Materials Science jobs in United Kingdom

About Milvus Advanced

Milvus Advanced is redefining materials science by creating rare metal alternatives through modern alchemy.

We replace expensive, scarce elements such as indium, gold, iridium, and platinum with high-performance, earth-abundant nanoalloys and functional materials. Our discovery and scale-up platform turns deep chemistry into manufacturable products for energy, optoelectronics, and chemical manufacturing.

As critical minerals take centre stage geopolitically, we ask: what happens when key elements are constrained or run out? Instead of merely optimising today’s materials, we pursue transformational substitutions that reduce dependence on fragile supply chains and rare elements by creating new, lab-made materials that are abundant, affordable, and sustainable.

Our technologies aim to:

· Reduce dependence on rare or critical metals

· Improve device efficiency, stability, and manufacturability

· Enable affordable, scalable next-generation materials and devices

· Accelerate the clean-tech transition

We are backed by leading global investors such as Hoxton and Lowercarbon, and are scaling rapidly from lab breakthroughs to real-world products.

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented, experienced electrochemist to join our growing team. You will develop and optimize low-cost catalysts for electrochemical energy storage and conversion application including water electrolysis (AEM and PEM), CO2 electrolysis, and batteries. This is a high-impact, practical role in a fast-paced lab environment, with plenty of room to learn, contribute, and grow.

Location: Oxford

What you will do

- Conduct experimental work involving the synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts (primarily based on low-cost transition metals) for Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) for AEM/PEM water electrolysis.

- Design and modify experimental setups for electrolysers, fuel cells, and related systems.

- Correlate electrochemical performance with material structure and composition using characterisation techniques.

- Conduct electrochemical tests (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry)

- Analyse test data to optimize performance, efficiency, and durability

- Analyse cell components through both post-mortem examination and in-situ evaluation, using physiochemical characterization methods such as XRD, XPS, SEM/TEM, BET, Raman, and FTIR.

- Support the scale-up of electrochemical processes for commercial deployment

- Develop safety protocols and procedures, including risk and COSHH assessments, for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of materials used in nanocatalysts, and electrolysers.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and share results to advance broader R&D goals

- Contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies.

- Actively disseminate information across functions within the organization.

What we are looking for

- PhD in Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science

- PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

- Hands-on experience in electrocatalysis, particularly OER and/or HER

- Strong background in catalyst synthesis and wet chemistry techniques

- Experience with electrochemical testing methods and data analysis

- Experience working with electrolyser or fuel cell stacks

- Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset

- Comfort working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary startup environment

Why join Milvus?

- Competitive compensation

- Make an impact: Help solve one of the world’s most urgent challenges

- Be part of something big: Shape technologies that could redefine global industries

- Join early, grow fast: Play a meaningful role in a fast-scaling, well-funded company

- World-class team: Work with brilliant, collaborative people who care deeply about the mission

- Backed by the best: Supported by top global investors in climate, deep tech, and industrial transformation

- Personal growth: Every team member receives a training and development budget

- Your health matters: Private health insurance for full-time employees

- Balance and flexibility: We value your time and wellbeing

What we value

At Milvus, our mission is to reindustrialise the world without compromising the planet’s resources. We are building a more sustainable world that future generations can be proud of.

We value ambitious people who thrive in teams, embrace learning, and contribute not just to their own growth but also to the growth of the company. If you understand the pace and grit of a startup-to-scaleup journey and are excited by its challenges and rewards, you will fit right in.

We believe great work comes from a culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose.

Research shows that talented people from historically marginalised groups often self-select out if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. If you believe you have the skills to thrive in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee mentoring programme
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Are you familiar with experimental synthesis of nanoparticles?
• Are you familiar with electrochemistry (Cyclic voltammetry, EIS)?

Work Location: In person