Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers. This Research Fellowship position will involve working closely with The Vita Groups to develop sustainable automotive polymers, with a particular focus on sustainable foams for the transport industry. The project will critically evaluate sustainability, safety, and scalability throughout the project to enable translation into Vita pilots and prototypes.

You will be responsible for:

• Improving the sustainability of polyurethane and alternative feedstock foams through increasing recycled content, developing carbon-negative and carbon-neutral additives and polymers, and improving recyclability.
• Leading the dissemination of their own research outcomes (e.g. through high-impact publications), presenting their independent work at international conferences, and technical communications with the technical team with Polestar and their collaborators.
• Develop and deliver their own individual programme of high-quality research through independent publications, securing additional external funding, and translating projects to industry, at an internationally leading level, within the field of sustainable polymers and related materials.
• Contribute to teaching within the School (at an appropriate level) and develop their teaching and supervision skills through the University’s New Academics Programme, which is accredited by the Higher Education Academy and provides an excellent grounding for transition into a full academic post.

About You

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

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in Polymer Science, Sustainability or Circular Economy, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
• An established research track record, at an international level, in sustainable polymer science, including in one or more of the topics of life cycle assessment, particularly in circular economy or carbon negative materials, polymer recycling, new additives, or polymer characterisation.
• Well-developed technical skills with experience in designing and delivering research projects at a postdoctoral level.
• Demonstrable ability to provide effective leadership to small research teams.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively and network with a wide range of people, including industry, university staff and students at all levels, and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in evaluating sustainability of polymers and plastics through life cycle assessment and/or technoeconomic analysis.
• Experience translating innovation into industry.
• Experience in polyurethane foams, with a particular focus on improved sustainability.
• Experience in developing and optimising circular pathways for automotive polymers or similar multi-materials.

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: Michael Shaver

Email Address: michael.shaver@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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