Research Associate in Sustainable Cellulose Pulp Processing

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Sustainable Fibre Materials. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to an industrial research programme focused on understanding and improving the processing and performance of recycled fibre systems used in sustainable moulded fibre products. Working closely with Vernacare, the successful candidate will combine advanced materials characterisation, rheology and fibre science to generate fundamental insights that support next-generation manufacturing processes.

You will be responsible for:

• Characterisation of recycled fibre pulp using microscopy, fibre analysis, mechanical testing, standard paper testing methods and physicochemical measurements on the cellulosic products.
• Establishing structure-property relationships for the recycled fibres and industrial processing additives to understand their influence on product.
• Performing rheological characterisation of recycled fibre suspensions and relating slurry flow behaviour to forming performance, drainage and manufacturing processability.
• Designing, analysing and interpreting experimental studies, maintaining accurate research records, and preparing technical reports and presentations for academic and industrial stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with Vernacare and University of Manchester researchers to deliver project milestones and contribute to the development of sustainable fibre-based manufacturing technologies.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

• PhD in Materials Science, Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in materials characterisation, including microscopy and quantitative analysis of biopolymers.
• Experience using rheological, physicochemical or mechanical characterisation techniques and interpreting structure-property relationships.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyse complex datasets and communicate findings through technical reports and scientific publications.
• Excellent organisational, communication and collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary academic and industrial teams.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience working with cellulose, paper, pulp, recycled fibres or other sustainable bio-based materials.
• Experience of industrially relevant research, technology translation or collaborative projects with external partners.
• Experience supervising students or supporting laboratory management and research training.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Ahu Gumrah Dumanli-Parry

Email Address: ahugumrah.parry@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date (05/08/2026)

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