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Associate Professor in Sustainable Manufacturing
Job Reference
3783
Application Closing Date
15/11/2026
Division, Department
Research Division, MM Functional Materials and Chemistry
Competitive starting salary range from £59,966 up to £63,606 per annum (dependent upon experience) with the potential to progress. A discretionary range for candidates with exceptional experience can be discussed/considered
Mode
Permanent, Full Time
Our Mission
Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. We are driven by our passionate belief in the transformational power of education and research to enable and empower our students, colleagues and partners and to improve the world around them.
Our people are key to our success and each role contributes to the Group’s ongoing progress in communities around the world.
The Role
The Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials (CMM) are recruiting an Associate Professor (Research) in Sustainable Manufacturing to provide academic and strategic leadership in research addressing the transition to productive, resilient and net-zero manufacturing. You will shape and lead a distinctive programme of interdisciplinary research, working with CMM colleagues, the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME), industrial partners, policymakers and wider regional, national and international networks.
You will lead major funding proposals and programmes, deliver internationally leading outputs and demonstrable impact, develop researchers and doctoral candidates, and strengthen the Centre’s research culture and external reputation. The role will connect robust methods with industrial implementation across the lifecycle of materials, products, processes and value chains, while contributing to research-enriched education and knowledge exchange within a research-focused academic workload.
We are particularly interested in leadership across several of the following: circular economy, remanufacturing, reuse and recycling; lifecycle assessment and lifecycle costing; industrial decarbonisation and resource efficiency; carbon accounting and Scope 1–3 emissions; sustainable production systems and supply chains; industrial symbiosis; digital product passports, traceability and data-driven sustainability; sustainable business models; design for circularity; and decision-support for hard-to-abate manufacturing sectors.
Qualifications Required
A PhD or equivalent in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science or engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, or another discipline relevant to sustainable manufacturing
Our Successful Candidate
You will be an established research leader with a strong track record of securing major funding, leading collaborative research programmes, and delivering internationally recognised research with impact. You will have experience building partnerships across academia, industry and government, supported by strong national and international networks.
You will demonstrate leadership in interdisciplinary research, mentoring researchers, supervising doctoral candidates, and contributing to research strategy and culture. Strong communication, influencing and commercial skills are essential, enabling effective stakeholder engagement and the development of knowledge exchange and wider research impact.
Experience translating sustainability research into industrial practice, contributing to professional or policy networks, and working across sectors such as automotive, energy, metals, construction or aerospace would be advantageous.
The Benefits
As a staff member of Coventry University, you will have a access to a wide range of industry leading rewards and benefits which includes:
- Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
- 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
- Life Assurance 4 x Salary
- BUPA Cash Plan
- CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
Our Culture
As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.
Full Job Description & Person Specification
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Associate Professor in Sustainable Manufacturing in Coventry employer: Coventry
As a leading specialist in heavy civil engineering and construction, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside a flexible hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us in a culture that values technical expertise and encourages meaningful contributions to impactful projects across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Professor in Sustainable Manufacturing in Coventry
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Coventry, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Coventry specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Coventry, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Coventry value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
