Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance. Funds for this work have been awarded for 1 year, with a go-no-go point after 6 months depending on the results obtained.

We are excited to announce a new opening for a Research Assistant/Associate position in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Cambridge University through the Translational Impact Funding Scheme from Cambridge Enterprise.

The research project will aim to produce and characterise new compostable cellulose films based on processing of cellulose nanofibrils, with the potential for industrial scale-up and widespread adoption. The outcomes will be an improved scientific understanding of naturally derived plastics and a suite of prototype materials suitable for emerging markets in compostable films.

The position available is in the area of fabrication and characterisation plastic packaging from natural feedstocks. The work will comprise manufacture of films from cellulose nanofibrils and characterisation of mechanical properties and smart functional properties relevant to their use in food packaging. The project will be based in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy and will be co-supervised by Professors James Elliott, Ruth Cameron and Serena Best.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:

• Completion of a PhD in a relevant technical area.
• Knowledge, skills and experience specific to the research area.
• Excellent communication skills and evidence of the ability to produce high-quality research outputs.
• Experience of managing own workload, meeting deadlines and the ability to constantly update knowledge.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the Apply button below. This will route you to the University Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register and account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

A successful applicant who has submitted their thesis but not yet received their PhD would be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period - Should you have any queries please reach out to hrmsm@msm.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LJ43603 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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