Ranked the #1 UK Modern University for Engineering and Computer Science (GUG 2025 & 2026), Edinburgh Napier University leads innovation in a rapidly changing world through future-ready education across disciplines like AI, renewable energy, computer/data science, engineering, building and surveying.
Currently, our School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment are undertaking an Innovate UK funded research project exploring a novel controlled-release platform for agrochemicals using electrospun fibres.
As such, we are recruiting a Research Fellow to assist with advancing biodegradable polymer research and nanomaterial applications, contributing to cutting-edge innovations in sustainable agriculture.
The Role:
As Research Fellow on the “SproutSmarter” project, you will have the opportunity to use your strong expertise in polymers (particularly biodegradable polymers) and their processing, to conduct research on biodegradable polymer formulations for controlled release applications, contributing to the advancement of electrospinning techniques in agriculture.
Your proven hands‑on experience with electrospinning, including method development, optimization, and scale‑up, will put you in an excellent position to develop and optimize protocols for electrospinning processes (including coaxial electrospinning) and electrospraying, ensuring stable and tuneable nutrient release profiles.
As someone with strong working knowledge of analytical and characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, Tensile Testing, SEM, and Rheometry, you will also be well placed to use these techniques to characterise polymers, electrospun fibres, and final product performance, in turn analysing and interpreting experimental data, maintaining accurate documentation and contributing to publications, reports, and presentations.
This role will also offer you valuable experience working with our industrial collaborator Impact Solutions, who have a long consistent thread of innovation and new technology development within the areas of waste valorisation, recycling and sustainability. So, if you have the right skills and would like to contribute to this meaningful project, then we would love to hear from you.
What we will need from you:
- A PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable expertise in polymers, particularly biodegradable polymers, and their processing.
- Proven hands‑on experience with electrospinning, including method development, optimization, and scale‑up
- Strong working knowledge of analytical and characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, Tensile Testing, SEM, and Rheometry.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety Procedures and COSHH procedures pertaining to post
Benefits we offer:
Paid annual leave entitlement of 46 days, pension contribution of 17.6 – 26% (depending on circumstances) and a number of other staff benefits.
Additional information:
Salary: £38,448 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed-Term – 12 months or 31 January 2028 (whichever is sooner).
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on several factors specific to the successful applicant. Check salary criteria for the visa on https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
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Research Fellow - Polymer Engineering employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among its staff. With a strong focus on employee development and growth opportunities, the university supports its team members in achieving their professional aspirations while contributing to meaningful change within the academic community. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, employees enjoy a dynamic environment that blends rich history with modern innovation, making it an inspiring place to work.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruitment Team
