Research Associate in Coatings Technology

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Bristol seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to develop natural organic and inorganic barrier coatings for paper-based packaging. The role requires a PhD in polymer or materials science, with knowledge of cellulose chemistry. The successful candidate will carry out experiments and analyses to enhance coating properties. This full-time, fixed-term position offers a salary range of £39,906 - £44,746 per annum pro rata.

Qualifications

• Holds a PhD or equivalent in polymer/materials science.
• Experience with cellulose chemistry preferred.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Undertake experiments to produce barrier coatings.
• Test coatings for mechanical integrity.
• Conduct bespoke tests for barrier properties.

Skills

Cellulose chemistry

Materials science

Analytical techniques

Experiments with polymer materials

Education

PhD or equivalent in polymer/materials science

First degree in physical science

Job description

Overview

The role: This project (3 months) will explore new and exciting approaches to the development of natural organic and inorganic based barrier coatings for paper-based packaging solutions. Collaborating with a large international company, the project will be based primarily at the University of Bristol, and in the group of Professor Stephen Eichhorn, a world expert on cellulosic materials. The short-term exploratory project will synthesize materials in the laboratory that can be easily coated onto paper packaging constructs, and test their barrier properties (water, oxygen) at dedicated facilities with the company. The materials we produce will also have to be compostable, and/or recyclable at end-of-life.

Responsibilities

• The post-holder will undertake experiments to produce barrier coatings for paper based constructs from cellulosic and biobased materials (e.g. minerals).
• These coatings will be tested for their mechanical integrity, and imaged using analytical techniques to assess the integrity of the films (e.g. electron microscopy, AFM).
• Bespoke tests at the company for barrier properties will be conducted to industry standards.

Qualifications

• The candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent doctorate qualification in polymer and/or materials science, with a good knowledge of cellulose chemistry and preferably some experience of working with industry, and to tight deadlines.
• A first degree in a physical science e.g. chemistry, physics, materials science/engineering is preferred, but alternatives will be considered.
• Please note that this position will be based in Bristol.

Additional information

• For informal queries please contact: Professor Stephen Eichhorn ( [e-mail] )
• To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog: https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/
• Contract type: Fixed term until 16/01/2026
• Work pattern: Full time
• Grade: I
• Salary: £39,906 - £44,746 per annum pro rata
• School/Unit: Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering (CADE)
• This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 25th September.
• Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 1st October.