Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis and Upscaling in Nottingham

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis and Upscaling in Nottingham

Nottingham Full-Time 35983 - 43979 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Nottingham

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Research and develop sustainable biodegradable polymers in a collaborative environment.
  • Company: Join a supportive university community committed to diversity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and present your research at exciting events.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on reducing environmental footprints in personal care products.
  • Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or related field, with a passion for sustainability.

The predicted salary is between 35983 - 43979 £ per year.

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract for 18 months and has a starting salary of £34,000.

Job share arrangements may be considered.

Candidates should have, or be close to completing, a Ph D in chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering or a related area.

Further details: Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community.

We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs - indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus.

We are proud to be a . Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved .

To help you succeed, we published to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by .

Applications are invited for the above research post that is part of a large and exciting multi-disciplinary collaboration involving both academia and industry.

The project will develop sustainable routes toward the synthesis and manufacture of novel biodegradable polymers.

In turn, these new functional materials will be constructed from new monomers derived from renewable sources.

These new and unique building blocks are also being developed with the larger project group.

The successful candidate will be researching into a novel class of polymers that are being developed and synthesised in the labs of Croda Ltd, and Nottingham, which show great promise in reducing the environmental footprints of Polymer Liquid Formulations (PLF).

These materials are used in personal care products, so the polymers being developed in this project will significantly reduce the environmental polymer burden that results from personal care products, such as shampoos and soaps.

The larger group also contains collaborators at the University of York, which is focusing on the development on new sustainable monomers.

Collaborations across the whole team are very strongly encouraged and there will be the opportunity to present the research at both internal and external meetings.

The supervisory team reflects the strong industry/academia collaboration as it contains supervisors from the Faculty of Engineering (Derek Irvine), the School of Chemistry (Vincenzo Taresco) and Croda Ltd (Daniel Day).

There will also be opportunities to work with the Croda teams in their laboratories as part of the scale up process in real commercial scenarios.

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis and Upscaling in Nottingham employer: University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Employees benefit from flexible working hours, access to health facilities, and a generous holiday allowance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful part-time employment while contributing to a vibrant academic community.

University of Nottingham

Contact Details:

University of Nottingham Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis and Upscaling in Nottingham

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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis and Upscaling in Nottingham

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Compassion
Flexibility
Organizational Skills
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!

Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!

Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at University of Nottingham. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!

Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Nottingham

Know Your Experiments

Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!

Master the Technical Speak

Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!

Show Off Your Projects

Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to University of Nottingham and the Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Synthesis and Upscaling role.

Be Ready for Problem Solving

Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!