PDRA in Polymer Chemistry for Structural Power - Durham

Working at Durham University, a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, is a unique and historic experience. As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham offers an incredible environment to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

The Department of Engineering is consistently one of the very best UK engineering departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and employability of our students. The Department is ranked 6th in the Guardian University Guide and 7th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 in the UK for General Engineering. Ranked in the top six in the UK for overall profile in REF 2021, this dynamic Department is an excellent place to work.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral Research Associate to work in the Materials Research Group of the Department of Engineering at Durham University in close collaboration with the Department of Chemistry. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research group committed to excellence, working on an EPSRC funded “Electrical Composites” (EleComp), a five-year EPSRC Programme Grant involving eleven academics from Imperial College London, University of Bristol, and Durham University.

The successful applicant will work within a multidisciplinary team of electrochemists, material scientists, composite engineers, anthropologists, and sustainability experts on structural power composites (SPCs). These transformative materials can store electrical energy whilst carrying mechanical loads. SPCs have been heralded by the World Economic Forum as one of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025, recognised for their potential to fundamentally reshape how infrastructure, aerospace, automotive, and electronic products are designed and manufactured.

Key responsibilities include:

• Understanding and conveying material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team through presentations and discussions.
• Preparing and delivering presentations on research outputs/activities to various audiences.
• Publishing high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Conducting individual and collaborative research under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Identifying areas for research, developing new research methods, and extending the research portfolio.
• Planning and managing own research activity and resources in collaboration with others.
• Delivering training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors, and students.
• Contributing to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment.

This post is initially advertised on a fixed-term basis for two years with the possibility to extend up to a five-year period, subject to performance. The post-holder is employed to work on a research project led by another colleague, contributing to the advancement of the project through the development of their own research ideas.

Essential criteria include:

• A good first degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material/Polymer science or related disciplines.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material/Polymer science or a related subject.
• Experience in conducting high-quality academic research.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.
• Experience in polymer synthesis and characterisation.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively working towards providing an environment where staff and students can study, work, and live in a supportive and inclusive community.