At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research in sustainable polymer recycling and collaborate with industry partners.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at Loughborough University, a leader in education and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- 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.
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.
Our Benefits: 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 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 contributing to meaningful projects that address societal challenges. The university's generous benefits package, including ample holiday allowance, competitive pay, and a focus on health and wellbeing, ensures that staff feel valued and supported both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling
✨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 environmental issues and how your work can contribute to sustainable solutions. This will resonate well with the university's mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling
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 in your written application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about making a difference in this field.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Loughborough University.
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 help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the subject.
✨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 share specific examples of projects you've worked on, highlighting your analytical skills and how you've collaborated with multidisciplinary teams.
✨Be Ready to Travel
Since the role involves travelling to national and international partners, be prepared to discuss your willingness and past experiences with travel for work. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and eagerness to engage with industry partners.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team, ongoing projects, or the university's approach to sustainability. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but also in how you can contribute to the broader goals of the department and the university.
