Oxford EARTH Senior Research Associate in Chemistry and Materials for Natural Resource Innovation

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution is seeking a Senior Research Associate in Natural Resource Innovation to contribute to a strategic research programme focused on sustainable resources. This full-time, fixed-term role offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including generous leave and pension schemes. Applications must be submitted by 20th October 2025.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Experience in material research and development for a circular economy.
• Knowledge in green elemental extraction and recovery.
• Familiarity with waste valorisation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in resource innovation in Chemistry and Materials.
• Collaborate with the Oxford EARTH team and external stakeholders.
• Potentially deliver teaching and demonstrations on related topics.

Skills

Creative research in natural resources

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills for collaboration

Job description

Overview

The Department of Chemistry and the Department of Materials are seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate in Natural Resource Innovation to join our thriving academic community. The post will commence on 5 January 2026 (or later by mutual agreement) and will be offered for five years.

This post is one of four new Senior Research Associate positions being created as part of Oxford EARTH (Equitable Access to sustainable Resources for a Thriving Habitat), a new strategic research programme. While this role will be based within Chemistry and Materials, the other three posts span across Geography, Law, Economics, Engineering, and Earth Sciences. Oxford EARTH works in close partnership with other major strategic research programmes at Oxford, including Oxford Net Zero, the Zero Institute, and Sustainable Chemistry.

Role and opportunities

The successful candidate will work at the forefront of resource innovation in Chemistry and Materials, and capitalise on these innovations and their far-reaching possibilities in the exploration and recovery of resources on Earth to meet the needs of the global energy transition.

We welcome applications from creative researchers working in the broad field of natural resources, including (but not limited to):

• Material research and development for circular economy
• Green elemental extraction and recovery
• Waste valorisation (e.g., biomass, polymer, battery & CO2)
• Resource recycling and recovery
• Green hydrogen

Working in partnership with the broader Oxford EARTH team, in particular engagement and collaboration with the social sciences the successful candidate will have strong communication and interpersonal skills to enable the formation of good working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, there may be the opportunity to deliver class teaching and demonstrations on relevant natural resource topics.

Informal discussion

For an informal discussion about the role and opportunities to join the academic community at Oxford, please contact Professors Dermot O\'Hare or Katharina Marquardt. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection process.

This post is fixed-term for 5 years and offered on a full-time basis.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees\' well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 20th October 2025. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

Contact

Anna Giorgi

Vacancy ID: 181777

Contact Phone:

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Salary (£): £49,119 - £55,031.