Research Associate

Overview

In this role you will advance the Spinning Mesh Disc Reactor (SMDR) project from lab to industry, enabling resource-efficient chemistry for Net Zero goals. You will work within the Chemistry department and with the Institute for Mathematical Innovation, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and an industrial advisory board. You will develop three case studies—enzyme catalysis, photochemical synthesis, and plastic recycling—demonstrating scale-up and impact in real-world settings. This position offers hands-on research, collaboration across disciplines, and opportunities to shape translational work with industry partners.

Pay / Benefits

• cycle to work scheme
• electric vehicle salary sacrifice
• generous employer pension
• annual leave plus 5 discretionary days
• professional development opportunities (e.g., LinkedIn Learning)
• relocation allowance

Responsibilities

• Advance SMDR-based research to develop three case studies: enzyme catalysis, photochemical synthesis, and plastic recycling
• Collaborate with departmental researchers, the Institute for Mathematical Innovation, and the University of Nottingham
• Engage with an industrial advisory board to align research with commercial perspectives
• Conduct extensive laboratory experiments focusing on catalytic reaction systems
• Analyze data, interpret results, and contribute to publications and reports
• Support dissemination of findings to internal and external stakeholders
• Participate in planning and reporting for the fixed-term project until 30 September 2027
• Assist in organising and presenting project updates to funding bodies and collaborators

Key requirements

• PhD in a relevant subject area
• Extensive lab experience, preferably with catalytic reaction systems
• Experience or interest at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering with a willingness to learn
• Good organisational and presentation skills

• collaboration and teamwork
• effective communication
• adaptability and a proactive learning mindset
• catalytic reaction systems
• interdisciplinary research at chemistry and chemical engineering
• lab experimentation and data analysis

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