Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer contribution pension

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Ride to work and EV car scheme

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers. You will work with The Vita Groups to develop sustainable automotive foams, evaluating sustainability, safety, and scalability to enable translation into pilots and prototypes.

You will lead independent research, publish in high‑impact journals, secure funding, and contribute to teaching within the School, supported by the New Academics Programme accredited by the HEA.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science, Sustainability or Circular Economy, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
• An established research track record at an international level in sustainable polymer science, including life cycle assessment, circular economy, carbon negative materials, polymer recycling, additives or polymer characterisation.
• Well-developed technical skills with experience in designing and delivering research projects at a postdoctoral level.
• Demonstrable ability to provide effective leadership to small research teams.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to work with industry, university staff and students, as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Improve sustainability of polyurethane and alternative feedstock foams by increasing recycled content and developing carbon‑negative/neutral additives and polymers.
• Lead dissemination of research outcomes through high‑impact publications and presentations at international conferences; communicate with collaborators.
• Develop and deliver an independent programme of high‑quality research; secure external funding and translate projects to industry internationally.
• Contribute to teaching within the School and develop supervision skills through the University's New Academics Programme.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Postdoc experience

Research design

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in Polymer Science, Sustainability or Circular Economy

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers. This Research Fellowship position will involve working closely with The Vita Groups to develop sustainable automotive polymers, with a particular focus on sustainable foams for the transport industry. The project will critically evaluate sustainability, safety, and scalability throughout the project to enable translation into Vita pilots and prototypes.

You will be responsible for:

• Improving the sustainability of polyurethane and alternative feedstock foams through increasing recycled content, developing carbon-negative and carbon-neutral additives and polymers, and improving recyclability.
• Leading the dissemination of their own research outcomes (e.g. through high-impact publications), presenting their independent work at international conferences, and technical communications with the technical team with Polestar and their collaborators.
• Develop and deliver their own individual programme of high-quality research through independent publications, securing additional external funding, and translating projects to industry, at an internationally leading level, within the field of sustainable polymers and related materials.
• Contribute to teaching within the School (at an appropriate level) and develop their teaching and supervision skills through the University's New Academics Programme, which is accredited by the Higher Education Academy and provides an excellent grounding for transition into a full academic post.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD in Polymer Science, Sustainability or Circular Economy, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
• An established research track record, at an international level, in sustainable polymer science, including in one or more of the topics of life cycle assessment, particularly in circular economy or carbon negative materials, polymer recycling, new additives, or polymer characterisation.
• Well-developed technical skills with experience in designing and delivering research projects at a postdoctoral level.
• Demonstrable ability to provide effective leadership to small research teams.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively and network with a wide range of people, including industry, university staff and students at all levels, and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in evaluating sustainability of polymers and plastics through life cycle assessment and/or technoeconomic analysis.
• Experience translating innovation into industry.
• Experience in polyurethane foams, with a particular focus on improved sustainability.
• Experience in developing and optimising circular pathways for automotive polymers or similar multi-materials.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here .

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy .

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Michael Shaver

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.