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.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Helen Willcock. For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you would like to request please contact Dr Helen Willcock. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Our Benefits include:
- Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus.
- Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus.
- Discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy.
- Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling in Sutton Bonington 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 links, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, competitive pay, and a commitment to health and wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sustainable solutions in polymer recycling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling in Sutton Bonington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the materials science and polymer fields. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Loughborough University and the specific projects they’re working on, especially around sustainable polymer recycling. We want to see your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through when you discuss how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! If you’ve worked on any relevant projects or have practical skills in polymer processing, make sure to highlight these during your discussions. We love seeing candidates who can bring real-world experience to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, we love a bit of initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Sustainable Polymer Recycling in Sutton Bonington
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 the field and can demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in this area.
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 helps 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 at Loughborough University. 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 materials characterisation. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects you've worked on, highlighting your experimental and analytical skills. This is your chance to shine!
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves working across multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in past projects, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the project, the team, or the university's vision for sustainable practices. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the bigger picture. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression!
