Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
This role focuses on supporting an innovative research programme developing microwave-driven catalytic technologies for the sustainable upcycling of medical wastes. Working under the supervision of Dr Xiangyu Michael Jie in the Department of Chemistry, the successful candidate will contribute to catalyst synthesis, reaction testing, process optimisation, and operation of microwave reactor systems.

The role involves designing and conducting experimental studies, analysing catalyst and reaction performance, supporting laboratory setup and project activities, and contributing to the development of sustainable technologies for converting medical waste into hydrogen-rich syngas, hydrocarbon fuels, and value-added chemicals. The successful candidate will work closely with academics, researchers, students, and industrial partners in a highly interdisciplinary research environment.

About You
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a PhD (or close to completion) in catalysis or a closely related discipline.

You should be confident working in a laboratory research environment, with experience in experimental design, catalyst synthesis and characterisation. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to plan and prioritise work effectively within project timelines are essential.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently, and capable of contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research team. Experience working collaboratively with academic and industrial partners would be advantageous.

If you are excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in microwave catalysis, sustainable resource recovery, and low-carbon chemical technologies, we would be delighted to hear from you.

About the Faculty of Science and Engineering
QMUL is a leading UK university, with a breadth of excellence across Science and Engineering, Medicine, and the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Faculty of Science and Engineering maintains a tradition of outstanding teaching and research in ground-breaking fields, provides a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment with a broad range expertise and diverse well-funded facilities to match.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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