R&D Laboratory Coordinator
Irish Cement Limited is seeking applications for the position of Research & Development (R&D) Laboratory Coordinator.
Job Purpose
This is a position in industrial R&D which will play a central role in the Company’s carbon reduction and circular economy strategies, in addition to the operational excellence programme in Irish Cement Limited. Irish Cement Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of CRH plc and has manufactured cement in Ireland for over 85 years. It operates two cement-manufacturing facilities, one situated in Platin, approximately 5km from Drogheda, Co. Louth and a second in Castlemungret, Co. Limerick. Production uses the most advanced, energy-efficient technology to create a range of high-quality cements to the highest Irish and International standards. In addition to research and development on products and process, the R&D Laboratory provides technical support to our sales team in assisting customers and carries out routine specialist testing for both factories.
The successful applicant will be based in our R&D Laboratory in Platin Works, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The R&D Laboratory Coordinator reports to the Head of R&D.
Key duties and responsibilities
Product & Process Development:
- Assess and evaluate potential new raw materials and fuels for clinker production.
- Support product development programmes on new low carbon cements.
Technical Marketing support:
- Assist the Technical Marketing department in providing technical assistance to customers and monitoring market performance of products.
- Investigate customer queries and complaints.
- Assist the Technical Marketing department in the introduction of new products to the market.
Production support:
- Support a programme of routine specialist testing to support both factories, including clinker mineralogy, burnability, grindability, thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD) etc.
- Analysis of product and process data to advise on production improvements.
Laboratory:
- Ensure adherence to all Health & Safety guideline pertaining to R&D Laboratory activities.
- Conduct laboratory testing, analyse results and make recommendations.
- Liaise with specialist external laboratories as required to produce clear, concise, accurate and reliable reports.
- Work with equipment service providers to plan for Servicing/upgrades and replacement of equipment.
- Maintain inventory of laboratory consumables and chemicals.
Key Skills
- Extensive Laboratory experience with powder and wet chemistries techniques.
- In depth knowledge of chemistry, analytical and problem-solving skills and curiosity to continuously enhance understanding of cement & concrete technology.
- Excellent report writing and communication skills.
- Knowledge of safety data and practices associated with the use of chemicals and laboratory procedures/equipment.
- Competent IT knowledge, strong record keeping, organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to work in a team, both with direct reports and in a collaborative manner.
The above list is not exhaustive. The successful candidate will be expected to perform duties as necessitated by the changing role and the overall business objectives of the Company, as directed.
Candidates should preferably possess:
- A 3rd level qualification (BSc or higher) in a suitable discipline such as Chemistry, Materials Science or Geology and experience in a similar or related role within industry.
- A work history of contributing and adding value to the overall performance of a previous employer.
Outstanding candidates who do not possess all the above criteria may also be considered.
This vacancy provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to join a multi-national organisation with business interests in the building materials sector across the world. See www.crh.com for more information.
Candidates wishing to apply can submit a current curriculum vitae to [email protected] using the subject heading; “R&D Laboratory Coordinator”.
**Closing date for applications is 5th September 2025
Visit www.irishcement.ie for more information
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From €45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Education:
- Bachelor's (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 05/09/2025
Reference ID: R&D Laboratory Coordinator
