Research Associate

About the role

Vinyl plastics such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, & related materials underpin a wide range of high-value applications, yet their robust carbon–carbon backbones make them exceptionally difficult to recycle at the end of life. Current recycling routes are dominated by mechanical reprocessing or by high-temperature thermochemical methods that operate with poor selectivity and high energy demand. These limitations present a major barrier to achieving circularity for vinyl polymers & contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector.

In this project, you will play a central role in the chemistry-led work package investigating the fundamental mechanisms governing photo-depolymerisation of materials such as PMMA (Perspex). You will collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Chemical Engineering (Cavitation initiated depolymerisation) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (systems analysis) at the University of Bath.

This mechanistic insight will directly inform process optimisation, reactor design, and extension of the methodology to additional vinyl polymers and mixed plastic systems. As part of a wider team, you will also interact with Chemical Engineers and Systems Analysis experts to assess potential technologies as scalable recycling concepts, contributing to a step-change in sustainable polymer chemistry aligned with Net Zero and circular-economy goals.

About you

Primarily, you will work under the supervision of Dr Simon Freakley, Dr Jon Husband & Prof. Matthew Davidson and be trained in polymer science, kinetic and mechanistic studies of reaction & photo–catalysis/chemistry - building on preliminary results published in Photo-initiated solvent-mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents. Nat Commun 17, 1235 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67997-7

• PhD in Chemistry or associated discipline
• Knowledge in Photochemistry / Photocatalysis &/ or (de)polymerisation chemistry
• Broader idea of non-thermal and non-mechanical plastic recycling or chemical recycling of plastics
• Excellent oral, interpersonal & written communication skills
• The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload to meet required deadlines
• Ability to write research reports and to effectively disseminate outcomes

Further information

This role is offered on a full-time fixed-term basis (36.5 hours per week for 36 months). 

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact: Simon Freakley, sf756@bath.ac.uk

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, & backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, & value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you 

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes

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