Research Fellow in Barrier Coatings

Research Fellow in Barrier Coatings

Do you have a passion for your work to make an impact on the world around you? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our project team developing sustainable bottle technology in collaboration with our industrial partner Pulpex Ltd. (https://www.pulpex.com). Plastic packaging remains in the environment and is difficult to recycle. There is a growing demand for alternative materials to use as containers for liquids. Pulpex Ltd. are developing a new type of bottle made from cellulose fibres. The Pulpex bottle uses sustainable materials, can be recycled in existing paper waste-streams, can naturally degrade if not recycled, and has a carbon footprint 30% less than poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles.

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/news/multimillion-pound-research-project-aims-advance-production-next-generation-sustainable-packaging

The role

This research post is part of the EPSRC-funded SustaPack Prosperity Partnership project between the University of Surrey and Pulpex Ltd. You will join a collaborative research team, consisting of the academic leads, two other post-doctoral researchers, a PhD student and engineers for Pulpex, to help to make the paper bottle a reality through your development of a spray-based process for coating the inside of the bottles with a thin uniform bio-based polymer film designed to contain liquids and prevent inward gas permeation to achieve a long shelf-life.

The work will focus on the formulation of sprayable inks and development of the spray process where processing challenges will include the need to process at low temperatures; the efficient use of scarce materials; and high speed processing relevant to a commercial manufacturing environment.

About you

We are particularly interested in talking to candidates who can make a positive contribution to this project through their knowledge and experience in materials processing and characterisation, in particular:

• Ink or slurry formulation and characterisation
• Printing or coating techniques
• Modification/construction of processing equipment and development/optimising of processing routes
• Materials characterisation across nano-to-macro length scales
• Ageing or degradation of materials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences including industrial clients

The project will provide opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, and visits to our collaborators’ sites. You will be provided with mentorship for personal and professional development to advance your future career. This project will be an excellent entry into the field of sustainable materials which are rapidly growing in use. The School has a current Anthea SWAN Bronze Award and we place great value on diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are seeking to increase the diversity within our community and would particularly encourage applications from women and from other under-represented groups.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

To apply please submit a CV via our website, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

You will also be asked to address some questions to help us assess your suitability for the position.

For informal information please contact Professor Robert Dorey (r.dorey@surrey.ac.uk).

Advert information