At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research in sustainable polymer recycling and collaborate with industry partners.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a leader in education and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across disciplines.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your skills in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: PhD in materials or polymer science, with experience in characterisation and processing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This role is not suitable for remote working and is office/laboratory based only. It is essential that the post holder has the ability and willingness to travel to national and international partners and undertake occasional short visits to project partners.
We are looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in materials science, polymer science or a related discipline, ideally with experience in polymer processing and materials characterisation. You will bring strong experimental and analytical skills, a track record of research outputs, and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary academic and industry teams.
You will be based within the Polymer Science group in the Department of Materials at Loughborough University, working closely with the SMART Centre and Sports Technology Institute. The role sits within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with access to advanced characterisation facilities and strong links to industry and policy partners. This is a fixed-term post for 33 months, contributing to a major EPSRC and Defra-funded project on recycling synthetic sports turf.
Candidates should have (or be near completion of) a relevant PhD, experience in polymer materials characterisation and processing, and a willingness to engage with industry partners, travel, and contribute to research delivery and dissemination.
Why should you Apply? With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow. If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Helen Willcock.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Dr Helen Willcock. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Closing Date: 5 July 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 20 July 2026
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling in Kegworth employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary research. With access to advanced facilities and strong industry connections, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while enjoying generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and health and wellbeing support. Located on a beautiful 523-acre campus in the East Midlands, Loughborough provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that address societal challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling in Kegworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the materials science and polymer recycling fields. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Loughborough University and its projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your background in polymer processing aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for sustainability! In your conversations and interviews, highlight your commitment to tackling environmental issues through innovative research. This will resonate well with the university's mission and could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can find additional resources and tips that can help you stand out. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a vibrant community at Loughborough!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling in Kegworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in materials science and polymer processing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for sustainable polymer recycling shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference, so share your motivation and any related projects you've been involved in.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find additional resources that can help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sustainable polymer recycling and related materials science. Familiarise yourself with recent advancements in the field, especially those relevant to the role. This will not only show your passion but also your commitment to contributing to the project.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research outputs and any hands-on experience you have with polymer processing and characterisation. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've worked in multidisciplinary teams and what impact your contributions had on past projects.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their work and the project. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate with industry partners, which is crucial for this role.
✨Plan for Travel
Since the role requires occasional travel to national and international partners, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully managed travel for research purposes, as this will reassure them of your adaptability.
