Senior Development Chemist
Remote or Hybrid - UK, Hertfordshire
Salary - £60,000 + options
Overview
Are you ready to lead the charge in solving the climate crisis? Reaforma is looking for a Senior Development Chemist to spearhead our efforts in revolutionising the thermal conversion of minerals to produce low-carbon cement. The construction industry currently contributes to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and we have exactly 25 years to make it sustainable.
As our lead chemist, you will be the driving force behind our patent-pending process, focusing on calcined clay production and enhancing CO2 uptake for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This is a rare opportunity to move the needle on the 8% of global emissions caused by the cement industry.
About Reaforma
Reaforma is a high-growth climate-tech startup at the TRL 3-4 stage, moving rapidly from computational simulations and paper-based concepts to physical experimentation and industrial scale-up. We have strategically pivoted upstream in the supply chain to address the root cause of construction emissions: the production of raw material.
Supported by a £1m Innovate UK grant and a £900k pre-seed funding round, we are building a lean, high-energy team of experts from world-class institutions like Imperial College and Rolls-Royce. Our mission is backed by industry heavyweights, including an MOU with the UK’s largest privately owned concrete company and testing requests from industry leaders like Cemex.
About You
We are seeking a dynamic, high-energy scientist who thrives in a "ground floor" innovation environment. You aren't just looking for a job; you are looking for maximum impact. You are a versatile problem-solver who can bridge the gap between deep physical science and practical industrial application.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a strong background in inorganic chemistry, with cement chemistry experience being highly valuable.
- Demonstrate rapid learning ability, capable of grasping complex new concepts and research papers within a weekend.
- Thrive on creative freedom, taking ownership of conceptualizing, formulating, and testing new approaches.
- Possess excellent English communication skills to collaborate effectively with industrial partners and senior academic advisors.
Role Overview
As the Senior Cement Chemist, you will hold a pivotal leadership role as the primary chemist on the team. You will integrate chemical modelling, experimental testing, and industrial-scale implementation to enhance cement performance and durability while slashing its carbon footprint. This is a hands-on role where you will lead lab-based research while also developing comprehensive technical proposals. You will be supported by a junior MSc/MRes assistant and have full access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at Hertfordshire University.
Key Responsibilities
- Chemistry & Material Optimisation: Refine calcined clay formulations and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to improve performance and sustainability.
- Mineral Chemistry for CCS: Develop methods to support CO2 uptake for mineral enhancement and carbon storage.
- Process Modelling & Simulation: Use thermochemical and kinetic models to optimize raw material reactions, hydration processes and phase transformations.
- Experimental Testing: Conduct and oversee XRD, XRF, TGA, SEM, and rheological studies to characterise cement properties and optimise mix designs.
- Techno-Economic & Sustainability Assessment: Evaluate the economic feasibility and environmental impact of alternative cement formulations and carbon capture strategies
- Industrial Scale-up: Collaborate with production teams and regulatory bodies to transition laboratory innovations to industrial-scale implementation.
- Intellectual Property: Lead the chemistry development for new patents; you will have the opportunity to be named on company patents.
Skills & Expertise
- Deep expertise in cement chemistry, hydration mechanisms, and materials science.
- Proficiency in process modelling tools and experimental characterisation techniques (XRD, TGA, SEM, etc.)
- Direct experience with low-carbon cement technologies, alternative fuels, and CCUS
- Knowledge of clinker mineralogy and SCM interactions.
- Familiarity with, or a willingness to rapidly learn, ISO, ASTM, and EN standards for cement and concrete.
Qualifications/Level
PhD or similar depth of understanding within Inorganic Chemistry.
What We Offer
? Impactful Leadership: A senior role with the creative freedom to shape the future of a more sustainable built environment.
? Competitive Package: including generous equity options so you can share in our long-term success.
? Extreme Flexibility: Competence and reliability are valued over rigid office hours; enjoy highly flexible, hybrid working arrangement.
? Generous Leave: 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays + Christmas shutdown = c.38 days
? Elite Facilities: Full use of experimental and characterisation labs at Hertfordshire University in Hatfield.
Reaforma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We look forward to hearing from you and joining our
mission to make a great impact by addressing the climate crisis challenge.