Research Associate in Regional Plastics & Chemical Systems Decarbonisation

International Society for Industrial Ecology; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research institution is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to improving the sustainability of chemical and polymer production. This role involves developing chemical engineering models aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field. The position offers flexible working options and various employee benefits, including extensive annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

41 days annual leave including bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

Discounts and rewards for shopping and travel

Recognition awards

Access to learning and mentoring schemes

Generous family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in relevant fields.
• Knowledge of life cycle environmental assessment.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop models for refinery and petrochemical production processes.
• Model greenhouse gas emissions and develop decarbonisation scenarios.
• Liaise with interdisciplinary team and stakeholders.

Skills

Process modelling

Resource analysis

Python

MATLAB

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical or Process Engineering

Job description

Research Associate in Regional Plastics & Chemical Systems Decarbonisation

Overview

Do you have a passion for low carbon production of chemicals & plastics? Are you someone who thrives on analytical challenges and values precision? Are you enthusiastic about working at the intersection of industry and academia? We are looking for one enthusiastic researcher with strong motivation and a track record of successful collaboration in sustainable/chemical engineering to join our team as a Research Associate in Regional Plastics and Chemical Systems Decarbonisation at the University of Sheffield.

You will be an integral part of our vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary team working on a collaborative project jointly with the University of Bath and our industrial partner, aiming to improve the sustainability of chemical and polymer production by system-level modelling and analysis of regional production routes and future scenarios. Your primary focus will be on conducting chemical engineering models for resource efficiency and decarbonisation for plastics and chemical systems. Our ambition is to identify plausible paths for the petrochemicals industry through net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions to a future that mitigates climate change by reversing our carbon trajectory. Your work will involve crafting a comprehensive repository of greenhouse gas emission data and mitigation strategies that address the pressing environmental challenges faced by the chemical industry in different regions.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop a model of refinery/petrochemical production processes relevant to specific regions
• Develop dynamic stock and flow tools to anticipate future demand for chemicals/plastics and the availability of waste products.
• Model greenhouse gas emissions of chemicals and plastics and develop regional scenarios for decarbonisation.
• Liaise and network with the interdisciplinary research team and academic/industrial partners.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Chemical or Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Chemistry
• Knowledge and experience in: life cycle environmental assessment/life cycle thinking
• Knowledge and experience in process modelling and resource analysis; use of Python, MATLAB or other appropriate programming languages
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and present complex information to diverse stakeholders
• Evidence of potential to produce high-quality research outputs and experience of developing own models and tools
• Experience in managing own workload, balancing multiple projects, sticking to deadlines and the ability to constantly update knowledge
• Ability to develop creative approaches to scientific problem solving, often based on the latest developments in the field as described in the scientific literature
• Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area
• Provide specialist guidance and support and act as mentor/coach, which may involve training and/or identifying development needs for others, to support their occupational development

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for those going through the menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.