Research Associate in Sustainable Formulation Polymers

The Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub works at the interface between the Sustainable Futures research platform at 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.

We are recruiting an enthusiastic and collaborative post-doctoral research associate to join our team to accelerate our work on sustainable formulation polymers in collaboration with industry leader Unilever. The project builds on proof-of-concept work and will focus on optimising copolymer structures across a range of aqueous formulation functions. This role will involve optimising synthetic routes to sustainable formulation polymers, including choice of comonomers, and characterising both resultant polymers, their formulated products, and their degradation products for efficacy. Optimised formulations will be assessed through life cycle assessment although no prior experience in these methods is required.

You should have, or soon have, a PhD or equivalent in polymer chemistry or a closely related field with experience in either synthetic polymer chemistry or rheological characterisation of polymers or formulations essential. You should be capable of working under your own initiative, collaborating with others, and possess excellent communication and organisational skills. Our University and our Hub are committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science and to broader equality, diversity and inclusion efforts. The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The role will also interface with the broader team of sustainable polymer researchers across recycling and repair, automotive plastics, medical devices, thermomechanophores and engineering plastics. The team develops diverse research impact in polymer synthesis, functional materials, degradable multi-materials, chemical and mechanical recycling and waste management to deliver holistic solutions to retain plastics in their highest value condition and realise social, economic and environmental sustainability.

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 here

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 Director of Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub

Email: michael.shaver@manchester.ac.uk

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