Research Associate in Material Processing

Vacancy terms: Full time or job share considered, Fixed term until 31/07/26

Hours per week: 37.5

Advert closes midnight on: 12 Nov 2023

About the role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Associate in Material Processing to join our University. In this key role you will be involved in a very ambitious and exciting programme of work focused on supporting the development of the novel Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) based process to recycle E-waste with support from DES commercialization vehicle Descycle and industry specialists who are supporting the development of the technology at scale.

Your role will be to support lab based research & development efforts in optimizing the current process steps and identify new methodologies to improve the current process flowsheet. Advancements identified at bench scale will be trialled at pilot scale with support from key partners and you will gain significant experience in process scale up. The programme may offer opportunities to work within other institutes to upskill the candidate in new techniques to help support the refinement of the process and so the applicant is expected to be comfortable with travel periods of the role. In this role you will also develop skill sets in commercialization research, managing relationships with key stakeholders in both Descycle and current and future commercial partners and you may find opportunities to become a fulltime employee of Descycle at the end of the grant. 

Further information on the project and the roles responsibilities can be found in the Job Summary Form. 

About you

You will have a PhD in a relevant research field (such as chemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent in metallurgy) with experience of processing metals and minerals using Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) chemistry or other solvent based chemistries used to process materials/metals.

You will be able to evidence your contributions to peer-reviewed journal papers or equivalent and have a proven analytical problem solving capability. You will also have excellent communication skills and be confident in working with a range of internal and external stakeholders. 

Additional information

Informal queries are welcome and can be made to Dr Robert Harris on  rch12@leicester.ac.uk.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.  

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. 

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. 

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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