Research Assistant or Associate in Mechanical Polymer Recycling Processes

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Hybrid working options

Flexible working

Job summary

Loughborough University invites applications for a Research Assistant or Associate in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes. The role is based at the Wolfson School and is fixed-term for 24 months, with office/lab work and some travel to national and international partners.

Salary bands reflect Grade 5 or Grade 6, with progression subject to pay review. The candidate will join a vibrant research environment focused on sustainable manufacturing and recycling technologies, contributing

Qualifications

• Requires a background in mechanical/manufacturing engineering with recycling processes experience.
• Experience with experimental research and mechanical process development.
• Willingness to travel to national and international partners and engage with industry.
• Excellent collaboration and communication across multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental research and develop mechanical design aspects of polymer recycling processes.
• Collaborate with national and international project partners and partners in industry.
• Analyze results and contribute to project delivery and dissemination.
• Support lab work and travel to partner sites as required.

Skills

Mechanical engineering background

Manufacturing engineering background

Recycling processes

Lifecycle analysis

Experimentation & analytics

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree in a relevant discipline

PhD or near completion in a relevant discipline

Job description

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage .

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website .

Job details

Job title Research Assistant or Associate in Mechanical Polymer Recycling Processes Job reference REQ260601 Date posted 20/08/2026 Application closing date 14/09/2026 Location Loughborough Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research Grade 5 from £29,588 - £34,610 or Grade 6 from £35,608 - £41,064 per annum. Subject to annual pay review.

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full Time, Fixed Term for 24 months

Full Job Title: Research [Assistant or Associate] in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes

This role is being recruited to either Grade 5 or 6 depending on the pool of applicants we receive and is not suitable for remote working (office / laboratory based only). It is essential that the post holder has the ability and willingness to travel to national and international partners and undertake occasional short visits to project partners.

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

About the University

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselvesin the pursuit of better.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:

We are looking for a motivated and talented Researcher with a background in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, ideally with experience in recycling processes and lifecycle analysis. You will bring experimental, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary academic and industry teams.

You will be based at Loughborough University within the Wolfson School, working in the Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies (SMART), and collaborating closely with the Sports Technology Institute and Department of Materials. The role sits within a highly interdisciplinary, industry-facing environment with strong links to national partners and real-world applications.

This is a fixed-term post for 24 months, contributing to a major EPSRC and Defra-funded project addressing synthetic sports turf recycling. Candidates should have a Bachelors or Masters degree (Grade 5) or a PhD or near completion ( Grade 6) in a relevant discipline, experience in experimental research and mechanical process development, and a willingness to engage with industry partners, travel, and contribute to project delivery and dissemination.

Why Should You Apply?

With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Professor Shahin Rahimifard. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

Research Assistant in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes

Research Associate in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes

Closing Date: 14 September 2026

Interview Date: week commencing 21 September 2026

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.