Lead Principal Recruiter
Materials, Polymers & Coatings
View profileFinding the best Materials Science talent
If you’re building or growing a team in materials science, it’s essential to understand the skill sets that are shaping the future of the industry. From biomaterials to battery innovation, the sector is evolving fast and so is the demand for talent. Here are some frequently asked questions about the most in-demand skills across materials science today.
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ADLIB’s Science recruitment team has spent years supporting pioneering start-ups, scale-ups, global manufacturers, research organisations, and purpose-driven businesses across sectors like aerospace, energy, biotech, and consumer goods. Whether you’re hiring for innovation, sustainability, or performance, we know how to find the right people to move your business forward.
Materials science is a critical interdisciplinary field driving innovation across industries in the UK and globally. With advances in technology, sustainability targets, and energy storage demands, various subfields within materials science have emerged as high-priority areas. Here’s an overview of key subfields, in-demand skills, and applications across sectors such as biomaterials, textiles, batteries, composites, nanomaterials, and sustainable materials.
What are the most in-demand skills in biomaterials today?
Biomaterials are used in everything from implants to drug delivery systems. It’s a fast-moving space where science meets healthcare.
Key skills:
- Polymer science and biocompatible materials design
- 3D bioprinting and scaffold fabrication
- Tissue engineering (hydrogels, collagen, ceramics)
- Surface modification and biointerface engineering
- Medical regulatory knowledge (MHRA, CE/UKCA)
- In-vitro and in-vivo testing methods
Applications:
Artificial organs, smart drug delivery, regenerative medicine
What are the most in-demand skills in textile materials today?
This area blends traditional textile engineering with cutting-edge tech, think wearable health monitors and sustainable fashion.
Key skills:
- Technical textile engineering (e.g. aramid fibres, carbon composites)
- E-textiles and conductive fabrics
- Sustainable textile practices (eco-dyeing, biodegradable fibres)
- Textile manufacturing software (TexGen, NedGraphics)
- Circular economy and life-cycle assessment (LCA)
- Nanocoating technologies
Applications:
Protective gear, wearables, sustainable fashion
What are the most in-demand skills in battery materials and energy storage today?
As EVs and renewable energy scale up, battery innovation is critical, and so are the people behind it.
Key skills:
- Electrochemistry and battery cell design
- Cathode/anode material synthesis (LFP, NMC, silicon-based)
- Solid-state electrolyte design
- Battery degradation modelling and testing
- Battery regulations and recycling
- Simulation tools (COMSOL, MATLAB, Ansys)
Applications:
Electric vehicles, grid storage, consumer electronics
What are the most in-demand skills in composites and advanced manufacturing today?
Composites are used in everything from aircraft to wind turbines. The focus is on performance, durability, and recyclability.
Key skills:
- Composite processing (RTM, autoclave curing)
- Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs)
- Design for manufacturability (DfM)
- Finite element modelling (FEM)
- Recyclable composite development
- Failure analysis and structural testing
Applications:
Aerospace, marine, motorsport, wind energy
What are the most in-demand skills in sustainable and circular materials today?
This is where materials science meets climate action, developing alternatives that are better for the planet.
Key skills:
- Biodegradable polymers and green chemistry
- Life-cycle analysis (LCA) and carbon footprinting
- Eco-design and cradle-to-cradle thinking
- Waste-to-material technologies
- Plastic replacement innovations (mycelium, cellulose, algae)
Applications:
Packaging, construction, consumer goods
What are the most in-demand skills in nanomaterials and surface science today?
Nanomaterials are used in everything from solar panels to medical diagnostics. It’s all about precision at the smallest scale.
Key skills:
- Nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation
- Thin film deposition (CVD, PVD, ALD)
- Surface functionalisation
- Microscopy techniques (AFM, SEM, TEM)
- Sensor integration with nanosurfaces
Applications:
Diagnostics, solar tech, wearables, filtration systems
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