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- Tasks: Join a research team to investigate international medical graduates' career paths.
- Company: Be part of the University of Plymouth, known for its innovative healthcare research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to NHS pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your research career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Masters or PhD required, with experience in systematic reviews and qualitative research.
- Other info: Part-time role with hybrid working options; on-site presence needed once a week.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you an ambitious materials scientist or chemical engineer looking to bridge the gap between healthcare sustainability and clean energy innovation? Join us to lead the charge in transforming medical waste into second-life nanomaterials for a greener NHS.
About the role
As a Research Assistant (RA), you will be the primary experimental lead for the \”Circularity and sustainability in volatile anaesthetics\” project. Reporting directly to the academic lead, you will be responsible for demonstrating scalable regeneration and upcycling strategies for carbon adsorbents used in medical carbon capture systems. You will manage the laboratory-scale validation of thermal and chemical processes and coordinate with industrial partners, including SageTech Medical and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
This is a part-time position working 29.6 hours per week on a fixed-term basis with a starting date of 1 May 2026 until 30 September 2027 due to funding.
Key responsibilities and projects:
- Adsorbent regeneration: Develop and optimise thermal, chemical, and hybrid reactivation protocols to restore the capacity of exhausted carbon materials from medical capture systems.
- Bio-graphite synthesis: Spearhead the conversion of spent adsorbents into sustainable \”bio-graphite\” and benchmark its electrochemical performance for energy storage technologies.
- Second-life photocatalysis and remediation: Lead the preliminary testing and evaluation of spent carbons as \”second-life\” adsorbents and photocatalysts to degrade persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, such as propofol and ibuprofen, in hospital effluents.
- Advanced material characterisation: Execute comprehensive characterisation throughout the material lifecycle, using N2 sorption, SEM/TEM, Raman, XRD, and TGA.
For more information on School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at
Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Lee Durndell : by email at
Please note: We’re currently unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, we welcome all applicants, as other visa options may be available.
What we’re looking for
About the candidate:
- Technical expertise: A strong background in functional nanomaterials design, carbon valorisation and/or synthesis, or circular process engineering.
- Analytical proficiency: Experience in advanced material characterisation techniques, specifically gas sorption, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
- Project leadership: Proven ability to manage complex experimental workplans and meet deliverables in a collaborative research environment.
- Sustainable mindset: A commitment to circular economy principles and the translation of lab-scale research into real-world environmental solutions.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
You will join a high-impact, interdisciplinary team collaborating across the University of Plymouth (UoP), SageTech Medical, and the National Health Service (NHS). This project sits at the forefront of the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing – Grand Challenge. You will have access to world-class facilities, including UoP’s specialised reactors and industry partner facilities, providing a unique platform for high-level academic and industrial networking.
The School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
When joining us, you will receive:
- Generous annual leave : 25* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
- Generous pension scheme
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave
- Flexible working
- Retailer discounts
- On-site nursery
*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our .
Research Assistant employer: Plymouth University
Contact Detail:
Plymouth University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NIHR-funded study and its objectives. Understanding the specific goals of the SUP IMG Study will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the research team's needs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the CAMERa research group. Engaging with them can provide insights into the group's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application and potential interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in conducting systematic or realist reviews and qualitative research. Be ready to share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to contribute to impactful research.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Nicola Brennan for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that could help you tailor your approach to the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Research Assistant position. Make sure you understand the importance of the NIHR-funded study and how your skills align with the project's goals.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Highlight your experience with systematic or realist reviews, qualitative research, and any relevant organisational skills.
Showcase Your Research Experience: Provide specific examples of your previous research work, particularly in areas related to healthcare workforce development. Mention any publications or projects that showcase your ability to contribute to impactful research.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a research role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plymouth University
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the NIHR-funded study and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your background in systematic or realist reviews aligns with the goals of the research team.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Research Skills
Highlight your experience in qualitative data collection and analysis during the interview. Provide specific examples of past projects where you successfully applied these skills.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Abilities
Since strong organisational skills are essential for this role, be ready to share instances where you effectively managed multiple tasks or projects. This will show your potential to handle project administration efficiently.
✨Express Your Career Aspirations
Discuss your long-term career goals and how this position fits into your plans. Emphasising your desire to develop your research career within a supportive environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
