Research Assistant/Associate in Life Cycle Assessment

The Role 

We are excited to launch this new opportunity for a Research Assistant or Associate in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to join us in the School of Engineering. This position focuses on advancing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and datasets to evaluate the sustainability of emerging technologies, materials, and supply chains of CO2 from raw materials to products and final disposal in the Chemical Industry.

Great British Chemicals is a National Research & Innovation Centre for Sustainable Industrial Futures. Funded by EPSRC and NERC, the centre will unite the UK chemical industry, academic researchers and policy makers to advance innovative, scalable and sustainable technology solutions for defossilising chemicals manufacturing. We aim to create people-focused opportunities to truly shape sustainable carbon management.

You will contribute to research that integrates supply chain data, environmental modelling, and economic analysis to identify opportunities for reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, and enabling circular economy strategies. The work will involve analysing flows of materials and energy across global value chains and assessing associated environmental impacts using internationally recognised LCA standards such as ISO 14040/44.

You will join a diverse group of colleagues based in Newcastle in our Environmental Engineering Research Group and work with Oliver Heidrich and Russell Davenport to advance the science, engineering, regulatory practice and environmental assessments of CO2 utilisation.

You will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop decision-support tools, including open-source data platforms and models that enable stakeholders to evaluate sustainability trade-offs and inform policy, industry strategy, and innovation pathways.

This role is embedded in a flagship programme GB Chemicals, addressing one of the most critical global challenges: transitioning to sustainable, circular, and net-zero industrial systems.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with a passion for collaboration and the ability to interact and engage with industry and academia, and who can be an integral part of a diverse network of specialists. 

You will contribute to shaping how emerging technologies and materials to manage carbon are designed, evaluated, and deployed, ensuring they are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible. The quantification of the supply chain data with qualitative inputs will identify efficiency opportunities and environmental challenges that may hinder sustainability.

Our work will assess and develop a roadmap to a sustainable net-zero chemical industry towards SSbD chemicals from feedstocks, intermediates and products. The research aims to shape emerging technologies during early developmental stages to ensure they are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

By focusing on critical resources, minerals, and chemicals, the study will provide actionable recommendations for meeting future demand with minimal environmental impact.

We want you to feel confident when applying for a position with Newcastle University. If you’d like an informal discussion to clarify any points, please contact Oliver.Heidrich@newcastle.ac.uk

We are committed to making the process accessible to everyone and can provide additional support to make adjustments to meet your needs’. You are required to travel to national project meetings, attend and present at international conferences and liaise closely with industry partners. 

Find out more about our Research Group: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/research/environmental-engineering/

Apply by providing a CV, cover letter and records of previous publications/evidence of related research or work

This is a full-time fixed term role, until 31 August 2028.

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