Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Materials

Join the University of East London – Shaping Futures for 125 Years

University of East London (UEL)  is a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking institution dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional education and career-focused opportunities. As a careers-first university, we have been proudly preparing students for the jobs of the future for 125 years.

UEL has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our ambitious Vision 2028 strategy underscores our commitment to reshaping education for the benefit of all. We empower students from all backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to excel in today’s dynamic world.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our achievements. We are proud to be recognised as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Additionally, UEL ranks:

• 1st in London for Student Experience (National Student Survey 2024), and
• 3rd in London for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025).

At UEL, we don’t just teach; we inspire, innovate, and empower. Join us as we continue to shape the future.

About Sustainability Research Institute at the University of East London

The Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) at the University of East London is a world-leading hub for innovation, collaboration, and impact. Since 2001, we’ve been pioneering eco-efficient technologies that drive real change, from reducing carbon emissions to transforming infrastructure for a more sustainable future.

Our work is underpinned by UEL’s strong research culture, with 92% of our research recognised as world-leading, internationally excellent, or internationally recognised. At SRI, researchers collaborate across disciplines to address real-world environmental challenges through three interconnected themes:

• Blue/Green Infrastructure: peatland ecology, urban green infrastructure, biodiversity and conservation.
• Sustainable Materials & Resources: low-carbon materials, circular economy, renewable resources, and engineering innovation.
• Sustainable Society: climate resilience, behavioural science, adaptive governance, and equitable pathways to net zero.

As our research grows, so does our ambition. This is an exciting time to join a thriving, interdisciplinary institute shaping environmental innovation locally, nationally, and globally.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Materials to lead and expand a high-impact research programme within SRI.

This strategic appointment will strengthen our rapidly growing research portfolio and reinforce the development of the newly launched London Sustainable Materials Lab (LSML),  a cross-disciplinary hub connecting researchers, practitioners, and industry partners to drive innovation in sustainable materials science.

We welcome applicants from a wide range of sustainable materials specialisms, particularly those working in:

• Bio-based materials and processes
• Polymers, textiles, and fibre innovation
• Circular economy and lifecycle assessment
• Novel materials from renewable, recycled, or waste resources
• Materials engineering for low-carbon societies
• Any emerging field aligned with sustainable materials research

As Senior Research Fellow, you will:

• Lead and deliver ambitious research programmes of international standing
• Secure external funding from UKRI, EU programmes, industry, and charitable bodies
• Supervise and mentor research staff and PhD students (including a fully funded studentship attached to this role)
• Publish high-impact research outputs and present at leading conferences
• Strengthen SRI’s academic–industry partnerships through LSML
• Contribute to consultancy, knowledge exchange, and strategic initiatives across UEL
• Represent SRI at national and international research forums
• Play an essential role in meeting UEL’s REF, KEF, and research growth objectives

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials research within a supportive, ambitious, and well-resourced institute.

About You

You are an emerging or established research leader with the vision, expertise, and drive to advance sustainable materials science.

You will bring: 

• A PhD in a relevant field and a strong track record of high-quality publications
• Demonstrable success in research leadership, including developing and delivering funded projects
• Experience supervising research staff and/or doctoral students
• A growing national or international research reputation
• Evidence of innovation, creativity, and the ability to build cross-disciplinary collaborations
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with academic, industry, and policy stakeholders
• Commitment to equality, diversity, sustainability, and responsible research practices

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape research that addresses global environmental challenges; and to lead within a fast-growing research institute, we would love to hear from you. 

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-all-academic and Research -positions

Building an Inclusive Future

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the diversity pay gap. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff