At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative recycling processes for vinyl plastics using cutting-edge cavitation technology.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, and discounts on gym and tuition fees.
- Other info: Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and contribute to circular economy goals.
- Qualifications: PhD in chemical engineering or related field; knowledge of plastic recycling methods.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A 36-month Research Associate position is available within the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath to develop cavitation based chemical recycling of vinyl plastics back to monomers.
About the role
Vinyl plastics such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, and related materials underpin a wide range of high value applications, yet their robust carbon–carbon backbones make them exceptionally difficult to recycle at end of life. Current recycling routes are dominated by mechanical reprocessing or by high temperature thermochemical methods that operate with poor selectivity and high energy demand. These limitations present a major barrier to achieving circularity for vinylic polymers and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector.
In this project, you will play a central role in developing a cavitation based process to depolymerise materials such as PMMA (Perspex). Extensive experiments around understanding solvent effects, radical initiation pathways, kinetics, and side product formation will be involved. Cavity dynamics modelling will also be performed to understand the impact of cavitating medium on cavitation intensity and reaction kinetics. You will collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Chemistry (photolytic depolymerisation and advanced characterisation) and Department of Mechanical Engineering (systems analysis) at the University of Bath. This mechanistic insight will directly inform process optimisation, reactor design, developing hybrid photolytic-cavitation processes and extension of the methodology to additional vinyl polymers and mixed plastic systems. As part of a wider team, you will contribute to a step change in sustainable polymer chemistry aligned with Net Zero and circular economy goals.
Our ideal candidate
- PhD in chemical engineering or associated discipline
- Knowledge in organic solvent cavitation, cavitation of non-aqueous medium or cavity dynamics modelling
- Broader idea of non-thermal and non-mechanical plastic recycling or chemical recycling of plastics
- Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills
- The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload to meet required deadlines
- Ability to write research reports and to effectively disseminate outcomes
Additional information
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
We are continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Closing Date: 12 Jun 2026
Department: Education
Research Associate (ED13670) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including a cycle to work scheme, professional development opportunities, and a family-friendly workplace, the university provides a supportive environment for research associates to thrive in their careers while contributing to sustainable solutions in chemical engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (ED13670) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Bath, especially in the Chemical Engineering department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just put your name on the hiring manager's radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your knowledge about cavitation processes and recycling methods. We want to see your passion for sustainable polymer chemistry shine through when you discuss your ideas and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaboration skills! Since this role involves working with different departments, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in interdisciplinary teams before. We love seeing candidates who can connect the dots!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our goals around Net Zero and circular economy.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (ED13670) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in chemical engineering and any specific projects related to plastic recycling. We want to see how your skills align with our goals!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this position, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well. We love a good read that gets straight to the point!
Demonstrate Your Interdisciplinary Experience:This role involves collaboration across various departments, so highlight any past experiences where you worked in interdisciplinary teams. Show us how you can bring different perspectives together to tackle complex problems!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chemical engineering, especially around cavitation and plastic recycling. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and methodologies in these areas, as well as the specific challenges mentioned in the job description.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working with various departments, so be ready to discuss your experience in interdisciplinary environments. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others, highlighting your communication skills and ability to work in a team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to your PhD work and the specifics of the project. Think about potential experiments you might conduct or challenges you could face in developing the cavitation process, and be prepared to discuss your thought process.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Sustainability
Since this position is aligned with Net Zero and circular economy goals, express your enthusiasm for sustainable practices in polymer chemistry. Share any relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to environmental issues.
