Research Associate (696366)

Term: Fixed Term (24 months)

 The Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (CPE) within the Faculty of Engineering is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to carry out experimental research on recycling and valorising End-of-Life (EoL) Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-based 3D/4D printed composite products. This position is one of two PDRA positions to be recruited for the NSF-UKRI funded project, Global Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts (GCSB). As one of six established centres dedicated to addressing the challenge of creating environmentally and economically sustainable bio-derived composites and plastics, GCSB provides opportunities for collaboration with experts from the U.S., Canada, South Korea, and the U.K. in converting waste biomass into bioplastics.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in recycling and upcycling techniques for EoL composite waste, including but not limited to chemical recycling, repurposing, and thermal depolymerization. The postholder will be responsible for conducting experimental assessments of recycling and upcycling methods, characterizing and analysing materials and products, evaluating the impact of operating conditions and catalyst performance, and predicting key product yields. The postholder will work closely with the research team, which includes PI, Co-Is,, another Research Associate, and PhD students involved in the project.

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, and contribute to the securing of funds for research. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that the research objectives are completed and research deliverables are achieved. You will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions. You will co-supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to departmental teaching as required, for example, running tutorials. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in experimental testing and characterisation, thermodynamic and kinetics analysis and a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals. You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload effectively and an ability to work within a team environment. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with relevant work experience, membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies, and/or experience of knowledge exchange related activities.

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