Research Associate/Fellow (fixed term)

University of Nottingham; Park; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a researcher to develop microwave-assisted catalytic technologies for recycling plastics. The role includes advanced materials characterisation, catalyst development, and working closely with various partners. Candidates should have a PhD in chemical engineering or chemistry. This is a full-time, fixed-term position until June 2027 with opportunities for skill development and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Excellent research communication and teamworking skills are essential.
• Relevant technical skills in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterisation preferred.
• Training and support will be provided as required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced materials characterisation techniques.
• Support the development of innovative sustainable catalysts.
• Communicate research findings through publications and presentations.

Skills

Heterogeneous catalysis

Chemical reaction engineering

Materials characterisation

Microwave process engineering

Research communication

Teamworking skills

Education

PhD or EngD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related discipline

Tools

Thermogravimetric analysis

Dielectric property measurements

Differential scanning calorimetry

Job description

Closing Date
Wednesday 13 August 2025

Reference
ENG201025

Applications are invited for the above post within the Low Carbon Energy and Resource Technology Research Group based within the Faculty of Engineering situated on the University Park and Jubilee campuses.

The role-holder will join a multidisciplinary team conducting research in the development of microwave technologies for circular economy applications. You will work on an exciting project to recycle plastics using a novel microwave-assisted catalytic upgrading technology. The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and involves project partners at the University of Birmingham and British Geological Survey alongside several industrial partners. The successful candidate will: play a key role in the demonstration and optimisation of our novel microwave catalytic reactor to upgrade plastics pyrolysis oils, carry out advanced materials characterisation techniques (including dielectric measurements in our advanced microwave metrology facilities), be involved in the development of novel sustainable catalysts, and support on reaction modelling to benchmark the microwave process against alternative technologies (as assessed by our partners).

The successful applicant will undertake independent research, contributing towards the delivery of specific research tasks and working closely with colleagues from the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham and the other project partners. You will be responsible for communicating your work in research publications, project reports, partner meetings and conferences. You will also have the opportunity to support undergraduate and postgraduate students within this research area, and be expected to contribute to laboratory safety management.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent research communication and teamworking skills. Relevant technical skills include heterogeneous catalysis/chemical reaction engineering, materials characterisation (e.g. thermogravimetric analysis, dielectric property measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, characterisation of porous media) and microwave process engineering. However, you will join a multidisciplinary team and will not be expected to have prior experience in all relevant areas. Training and support will be provided as required, with extensive opportunities to upgrade your technical and transferable skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a group which is internationally renowned for research and development of microwave processes, with world-leading microwave processing and metrology facilities. You will be joining an exceptionally diverse and inclusive team, in which you will be encouraged and supported to use your initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend your research portfolio. In particular, focus on publication of outcomes and high-quality peer reviewed journals will be expected and supported with numerous opportunities to publish provided in this role.

Candidates should hold (or be near to completion) a PhD, EngD (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, chemistry or a related discipline.

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract until 30 June 2027.

Informal enquiries about the role should be addressed to Dr Eleanor Binner at [e-mail] . Please note that applications sent directly to this email addresses will not be accepted. Further information about our work is available at https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/low-carbon-energy-and-resources-technologies-research-group/research/microwave-processing/microwave-processing.aspx .

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.