Job Description

This 2-year post-doctoral research associate position forms part of the EPSRC Manufacturing Hub for a Sustainable Future in Engineering Plastics, a collaboration between The University of Manchester, Warwick University and University College London. The research programme aims to address the sustainability of engineering plastics across the transport, electronics and construction sectors by exploring the diverse solution space of new materials, digital technologies, reuse and repair, recycling and upcycling, and integrated sustainability assessments. The complex polymer formulations, multi-material components, and diverse use-case scenarios create barriers that must be understood before being broken down. This project will help our industry partners deliver on the promise of a more sustainable future. The project is a collaborative effort, with post-docs and PhD students collaborating across sectors and universities in an interdisciplinary environment to build actionable solutions to address the social, economic and environmental sustainability of engineering plastics.
We are recruiting an enthusiastic and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our multidisciplinary research team and become part of Dr. Cuellar-Franca's sustainability research group. The successful candidate will play a key role in assessing the environmental sustainability of various circular pathways explored within this project, providing robust quantitative evidence to inform decision-making. A critical aspect of this role will involve addressing the complexities of accounting for recycled or bio-based feedstock streams in life cycle assessment (LCA) to enhance the quality and precision of the analyses and outputs. In addition to research responsibilities, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day running of the group, offering technical guidance, mentorship, and supervision to PhD and undergraduate students when required. This includes assisting with research activities, fostering collaboration within the group, and contributing to a dynamic and productive research environment.
The role will be based in the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub, embedded in both the University of Manchester and the Henry Royce Institute, the UK's national lab for advanced materials. The Hub supports innovation in sustainable plastics and multi-materials, with a particular emphasis on tackling industrially relevant research questions. The team is necessarily interdisciplinary, with polymer scientists working with economists, social scientists and life-cycle experts to co-create robust solutions to managing plastic from creation to end-of-life. Collaborators from across the university bring expertise in social science, life cycle assessment, chemical depolymerisation, biomedical materials science, recycling and systems to support the project.
What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof. Michael Shaver and Dr. Rosa Cuellar-Franca
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General enquiries:
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This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.