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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.

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.

• 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.

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.