Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

TN United Kingdom; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to join their innovative team at a prestigious university. This exciting role involves pioneering research in compostable cellulose films, contributing to a sustainable future in packaging. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and a strong background in research methodologies. You will be responsible for the fabrication and analysis of new materials, working alongside leading experts in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career while making a significant impact in the field of sustainable materials.

Qualifications

• Completed a PhD in a relevant technical area.
• Excellent communication skills and a track record of producing high-quality research outputs.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing films from cellulose nanofibrils.
• Analyzing mechanical and functional properties relevant to food packaging.

Skills

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Knowledge of Cellulose Processing

Education

PhD in a relevant technical area

Job description

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Client:

University of Cambridge

Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

278e97819a1f

Job Views:

6

Posted:

07.05.2025

Expiry Date:

21.06.2025

Job Description:

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance. Funds for this work have been awarded for 1 year, with a go-no-go point after 6 months depending on the results obtained.

We are excited to announce a new opening for a Research Assistant/Associate position in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, Cambridge University through the Translational Impact Funding Scheme from Cambridge Enterprise.

The research project aims to produce and characterize new compostable cellulose films based on processing of cellulose nanofibrils, with the potential for industrial scale-up and widespread adoption. The outcomes will include an improved scientific understanding of naturally derived plastics and a suite of prototype materials suitable for emerging markets in compostable films.

The position focuses on fabrication and characterization of plastic packaging from natural feedstocks. Responsibilities include manufacturing films from cellulose nanofibrils and analyzing their mechanical and functional properties relevant to food packaging applications. The work will be based in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy and co-supervised by Professors James Elliott, Ruth Cameron, and Serena Best.

The candidate should have:

• Completed a PhD in a relevant technical area.
• Knowledge, skills, and experience specific to the research area.
• Excellent communication skills and a track record of producing high-quality research outputs.
• Experience managing workload, meeting deadlines, and updating knowledge regularly.

If the applicant has submitted their thesis but not yet received their PhD, they will be appointed at Research Assistant level, with the appointment amended to Research Associate once the PhD is awarded.

The University actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University ensures that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.