Research Associate in LCA/MFA of Regional Petrochemical Systems

International Society for Industrial Ecology; Bath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Research Associate in LCA/MFA to support the decarbonisation of the petrochemical industry. This role involves developing integrated models to analyze emissions and collaborating with academic partners. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and expertise in relevant fields, with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Free counselling

Cycle-to-work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice

Staff discounts

Pension schemes

Generous leave

Professional development opportunities

Free museum entry

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Expertise in Material Flow Analysis or Life Cycle Assessment.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop regional-scale models of the petrochemical system.
• Collaborate to integrate process modelling and data analysis.
• Model future scenarios and assess their impact on emissions.

Skills

Process-based Material Flow Analysis

Life Cycle Assessment

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Organisational skills

Presentation skills

Education

PhD or equivalent professional experience

Tools

Python

Version control

Job description

Research Associate in LCA/MFA of Regional Petrochemical Systems

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher with an interest in working at the interface of industrial ecology and chemical engineering to support the decarbonisation of the petrochemical industry. Join our team at the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change. This project aims to understand how future changes in demand for polymers, chemicals, and transport fuels interact with changes in petrochemical production systems, and under which conditions the most significant reductions in life-cycle GHG emissions can be achieved. You will play a key role in the global effort to deliver Net Zero.

About the role

In this research position, you will develop an integrated, regional-scale, whole-system model of the petrochemical system, from feedstocks to polymer production and end-of-life treatment. Specifically, you will:

1. Build on existing models of the petrochemical system at a global scale to create regional Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models of current production routes and their emissions.
2. Collaborate with the research team at the University of Sheffield to integrate process modelling and production data analysis into the regional model to represent current operations and emissions.
3. Model future scenarios involving changes in demand, process characteristics, and production routes, and assess their impact on emissions.

The role is advertised at Grade 7, but a Grade 6 position may be offered with similar responsibilities if a suitable candidate cannot be found. Applicants for the Grade 6 role should be within six months of completing their PhD and will be promoted to Research Associate upon degree completion.

This is an industry collaboration project with the University of Sheffield.

As a Research Staff member at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to undertake a minimum of 10 days of professional development per year.

Our ideal candidate will have

• A PhD or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Expertise in process-based Material Flow Analysis and/or Life Cycle Assessment, or experience with similar modelling/data analysis projects, with the ability to learn new approaches.
• Good organisational and presentation skills.
• The ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment with academic and industrial partners.

Knowledge of chemical engineering, polymers, or related systems is desirable, or a strong willingness to collaborate across disciplines and learn about these areas.

Our group works with Python, version control, and similar tools for research code development. Experience is not mandatory, as training and support will be provided.

Further Information

This full-time, fixed-term position (36.5 hours/week) is available until 06 November 2027.

We value diversity and are committed to equality, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, especially under-represented groups. We promote a safe, inclusive environment and are proud of our Silver Athena SWAN award.

• Benefits include free counselling, cycle-to-work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, staff discounts, pension schemes, generous leave, professional development opportunities, free museum entry, and more.

The starting salary ranges from £38,249 to £45,413.

• Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change

Some candidates in industrial ecology are encouraged to apply.