Research Assistant

University of Plymouth; West Alvington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

An academic institution is seeking a Research Assistant to lead projects focused on transforming medical waste into sustainable nanomaterials. The role involves optimising regeneration processes, synthesising bio-graphite, and evaluating sustainable solutions for persistent pollutants. This part-time position requires a strong background in nanomaterials, project management, and analytical techniques. The position is fixed-term from May 2026 to September 2027, with generous benefits included.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Strong background in functional nanomaterials and circular process engineering.
• Experience in advanced material characterisation techniques.
• Proven ability to manage complex experimental workplans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise adsorbent regeneration protocols.
• Lead bio-graphite synthesis and evaluate its performance.
• Test spent carbons for second-life applications.

Skills

Functional nanomaterials design

Carbon valorisation or synthesis

Analytical proficiency

Project leadership

Sustainable mindset

Tools

SEM/TEM

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Job description

Are you an ambitious materials scientist or chemical engineer looking to bridge the gap between healthcare sustainability and clean energy innovation? Join us to lead the charge in transforming medical waste into second-life nanomaterials for a greener NHS.

About the role

As a Research Assistant (RA), you will be the primary experimental lead for the "Circularity and sustainability in volatile anaesthetics" project. Reporting directly to the academic lead, you will be responsible for demonstrating scalable regeneration and upcycling strategies for carbon adsorbents used in medical carbon capture systems. You will manage the laboratory-scale validation of thermal and chemical processes and coordinate with industrial partners, including SageTech Medical and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

This is a part‑time position working 29.6 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis with a starting date of 1 May 2026 until 30 September 2027 due to funding.

Key responsibilities and projects

• Adsorbent regeneration: Develop and optimise thermal, chemical, and hybrid reactivation protocols to restore the capacity of exhausted carbon materials from medical capture systems.
• Bio‑graphite synthesis: Spearhead the conversion of spent adsorbents into sustainable "bio‑graphite" and benchmark its electrochemical performance for energy storage technologies.
• Second‑life photocatalysis and remediation: Lead the preliminary testing and evaluation of spent carbons as "second‑life" adsorbents and photocatalysts to degrade persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, such as propofol and ibuprofen, in hospital effluents.
• Advanced material characterisation: Execute comprehensive characterisation throughout the material lifecycle, using N2 sorption, SEM/TEM, Raman, XRD, and TGA.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Lee Durndell by email at [e-mail].

Please note: We’re currently unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, we welcome all applicants, as other visa options may be available.

What we’re looking for

About the candidate

• Technical expertise: A strong background in functional nanomaterials design, carbon valorisation and/or synthesis, or circular process engineering.
• Analytical proficiency: Experience in advanced material characterisation techniques, specifically gas sorption, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Project leadership: Proven ability to manage complex experimental workplans and meet deliverables in a collaborative research environment.
• Sustainable mindset: A commitment to circular economy principles and the translation of lab‑scale research into real‑world environmental solutions.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

You will join a high‑impact, interdisciplinary team collaborating across the University of Plymouth (UoP), SageTech Medical, and the National Health Service (NHS). This project sits at the forefront of the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing – Grand Challenge. You will have access to world‑class facilities, including UoP’s specialised reactors and industry partner facilities, providing a unique platform for high‑level academic and industrial networking.

The School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

We are committed to Athena SWAN and the Race Equality Charter, ensuring an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 25* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part‑time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery

*Pro rata if part‑time/fixed term contract

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter.