Company Description
Alive Labs develops regenerative systems for the built environment, drawing from ecological principles to reimagine how materials, organisms, and design coexist.
Our technology platform rests on three pillars:
1. Material Innovation — developing bio-receptive composites such as Terranite®, engineered to support life and capture carbon.
2. Biomass Advancement — applying directed-evolution and micro-ecological research to cultivate resilient moss ecosystems.
3. Biomimetic Design — using architectural and engineering strategies inspired by natural systems to solve complex urban challenges.
Through these, we’re transforming architecture into a living interface between humanity and nature, an infrastructure that heals rather than harms.
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 ML-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).