At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team tackling the recycling challenges of vinyl plastics through innovative chemistry.
- Company: University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support for diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable polymer chemistry and contribute to Net Zero goals.
- Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry or related field, knowledge in photochemistry and polymerisation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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 the 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 vinyl polymers and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector. In this project, you will play a central role in the chemistry-led work package investigating the fundamental mechanisms governing photo-depolymerisation of materials such as PMMA (Perspex). You will collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Chemical Engineering (Cavitation initiated depolymerisation) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (systems analysis) at the University of Bath. This mechanistic insight will directly inform process optimisation, reactor design, and extension of the methodology to additional vinyl polymers and mixed plastic systems. As part of a wider team, you will also interact with Chemical Engineers and Systems Analysis experts to assess potential technologies as scalable recycling concepts, contributing to a step-change in sustainable polymer chemistry aligned with Net Zero and circular-economy goals.
About you
- Primarily, you will work under the supervision of Dr Simon Freakley, Dr Jon Husband and Prof. Matthew Davidson and be trained in polymer science, kinetic and mechanistic studies of reaction and photo–catalysis/chemistry - building on preliminary results published in Photo-initiated solvent-mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents.
- PhD in Chemistry or associated discipline
- Knowledge in Photochemistry / Photocatalysis and / or (de)polymerisation chemistry
- 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
Further information
This role is offered on a full time fixed term basis (36.5 hours per week for 36 months). For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Simon Freakley.
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 equity 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’re 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:
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- 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.
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Find out more about being at your best at Bath.
Closing Date: 05 Jun 2026
Department: Education
Research Associate (SS13638) - 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 wellbeing, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and a family-friendly environment, the university provides a supportive setting for Research Associates to thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful advancements in sustainable polymer chemistry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (SS13638) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Bath on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way in getting insider info about the role and the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest research in polymer chemistry and recycling methods. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to articulate complex ideas clearly, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (SS13638) - 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 experience in photochemistry and polymer science, and show how your skills align with the project goals. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your ability to write research reports effectively. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can disseminate outcomes well!
Highlight Interdisciplinary Experience:This role involves collaboration across different departments, so if you have experience working in interdisciplinary teams, make sure to mention it! We value diverse perspectives and want to know how you can work well with others in a dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of photochemistry and polymer science. Be ready to discuss the mechanisms of photo-depolymerisation and how they relate to the role. This will show your passion for the subject and your readiness to contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated research findings or collaborated with others, especially in interdisciplinary settings.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the concepts of circular economy and sustainable polymer chemistry. Be prepared to discuss how your work can contribute to Net Zero goals and the importance of recycling in reducing the carbon footprint of plastics.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. This could be about their current projects, the team dynamics, or how they envision the role evolving. It shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
