Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

This role supports an innovative research programme developing microwave-driven catalytic technologies for the sustainable upcycling of medical waste. Working under the supervision of Dr Michael Jie, the successful candidate will undertake catalyst synthesis, reaction testing, process optimisation, and operation of microwave reactor systems. The role includes experimental design, performance analysis, and supporting the development of technologies for converting medical waste into value-added chemicals and sustainable solvents, while working closely with academic and industrial partners in a multidisciplinary research environment.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a PhD (or close to completion) in chemistry or a closely related discipline. You should have relevant knowledge and experience in areas such as heterogeneous catalysis, microwave catalysis and chemistry, waste valorisation and ideally TEA and LCA analysis.

You should have experience working in a laboratory research environment, including experimental design, catalyst synthesis and characterisation, reaction testing, data analysis, and maintaining accurate records. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage priorities effectively are essential.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with strong communication skills and the ability to present research findings and contribute to reports, publications, and funding proposals. Experience collaborating with academic or 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. 

Candidates close to completion of their PhD will initially be appointed in the junior research training zone of the salary scales. Grade 4, Spinal Point 25-26 (£38,419-£39,022 per annum).

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.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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