Postdoctoral Research Associate

This UKRI Cross Council funded full-time post is available from 1st June 2026 until 30th April 2028.

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Mark Wood. The successful applicant will join a team of 4 academics and 2 other postdoctoral associates working together on this inter-disciplinary grant which addresses the worldwide problem of plastic waste and its effects on the marine organisms and environment. The applicant should be prepared to attain a basic understanding of the complementary disciplines of biophysics, chemical synthesis and ecotoxicology within the team. This postdoctoral associate will address the plastic problem by preparing polymeric materials for use in evaluating enzymatic degradation by the different enzyme classes that have been identified from thermophilic genomes and metagenomes. These studies will include the synthesis of fluorophore-tagged polymers and the isolation and characterisation of their degradation products, in collaboration with other researchers in the team. This will necessitate the use of chromatographic methods and compound characterisation techniques, including NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Applicants for this postdoctoral associate must have research experience in synthetic organic chemistry and organic compound isolation and characterisation, ideally with experience in the synthesis and derivatisation/functionalisation and characterisation of organic polymers.

About You
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit-based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Further information
Please contact Dr Mark Wood, m.e.wood@exeter.ac.uk.

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