Research Associate in Bath

Vinyl plastics such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, and related materials underpin a wide range of high‑value applications, yet their robust carbon–carbon backbones make them exceptionally difficult to recycle at the end of life. Current recycling routes are dominated by mechanical reprocessing or by high‑temperature thermochemical methods that operate with poor selectivity and high energy demand. These limitations present a major barrier to achieving circularity for vinyl polymers and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector.

In this project, you will play a central role in the chemistry‑led work package investigating the fundamental mechanisms governing photo‑depolymerisation of materials such as PMMA (Perspex). You will collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Chemical Engineering (Cavitation initiated depolymerisation) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (systems analysis) at the University of Bath. This mechanistic insight will directly inform process optimisation, reactor design, and extension of the methodology to additional vinyl polymers and mixed plastic systems. As part of a wider team, you will also interact with Chemical Engineers and Systems Analysis experts to assess potential technologies as scalable recycling concepts, contributing to a step‑change in sustainable polymer chemistry aligned with Net Zero and circular‑economy goals.

About You

• Primarily, you will work under the supervision of Dr Simon Freakley, Dr Jon Husband and Prof. Matthew Davidson and be trained in polymer science, kinetic and mechanistic studies of reaction and photo‑catalysis/chemistry – building on preliminary results published in Photo‑initiated solvent‑mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents.
• PhD in Chemistry or an associated discipline.
• Knowledge in photochemistry / photocatalysis and/or (de)polymerisation chemistry.
• Broader idea of non‑thermal and non‑mechanical plastic recycling or chemical recycling of plastics.
• Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload to meet required deadlines.
• Ability to write research reports and to effectively disseminate outcomes.

Further Information

This role is offered on a full‑time fixed‑term basis (36.5 hours per week for 36 months).

Benefits

• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days for a positive work–life balance.
• Generous employer contributory pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
• Discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and LinkedIn Learning.
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
• Family‑friendly workplace.
• Excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
• Relocation allowance.
• Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan to help with immigration expenses.
• Health and wellbeing resources: staff support groups, network of wellbeing champions, suite of tools and frameworks to support thriving and wellbeing.

Right to Work in the UK

We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous Shortlisting

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.