Assistant or Associate Professor in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing (37388-0526)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Stuart Coles (Professor) at Stuart.Coles@warwick.ac.uk.

Flexible Working

• We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

WMG is seeking to appoint an Assistant Professor to join our Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Group.

This is an opportunity to develop your academic career within one of WMG’s highly interdisciplinary research groups, contributing to research, teaching and industrial engagement in sustainable materials, manufacturing and systems-level sustainability. The group has a strong track record across areas including materials engineering, chemistry, sustainable processes, polymer processing, life cycle assessment, environmental science and industrial sustainability.

In this role, you will develop research in strategic systems modelling for sustainability transitions. You will use approaches such as systems modelling, game theory, life cycle assessment, operations research and decision science to understand the complex socio-economic and environmental factors that influence sustainable decision-making.

You will work with academic, industrial and policy partners to translate complex challenges into robust research programmes and practical decision-support tools. Your work will help organisations navigate trade-offs and make informed choices on pathways towards responsible, ethical and sustainable futures.

You will also contribute to teaching and learning across WMG programmes, supervise students, support curriculum development, pursue external research funding and contribute to the wider academic life of the department. The role requires someone who can combine analytical rigour with real-world impact, working collaboratively across disciplines and sectors.

You will have a PhD, or equivalent professional experience, in a relevant area such as systems engineering, operations research, sustainability science, environmental systems or another closely related discipline with a strong focus on quantitative modelling and decision-oriented analysis.

You will bring expertise in strategic systems modelling for sustainability transitions, with experience applying methods such as game theory, operations research, decision science or related analytical approaches. You will be able to translate complex models into clear, credible and practical decision-support tools that can inform industrial, societal or policy decisions.

You will have a strong publication record, knowledge of your specialist field at national level, and the ability to develop research ideas into externally funded projects. Experience of working with industrial partners, identifying collaborative opportunities and translating complex industrial problems into academically robust research programmes will be important.

You will also have experience of teaching, supervision and/or lecturing at university level, with the ability to contribute to curriculum development and deliver high-quality teaching across WMG’s programmes.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.

We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.

Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.

Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 18 June 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed 
• Start Date: To be confirmed 

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.