Research Fellow in Mechanochemistry, Catalysis and Plastic depolymerisation at University of Surrey
Guildford, England, United Kingdom -
Full Time


Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Aug, 25

Salary

39355.0

Posted On

16 May, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

No

Skills

Good communication skills

Industry

Education Management

Description

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

FURTHER DETAILS

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the ‘apply online’ button.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
Job Details
Department
Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Location
Guildford
Salary
£37,174 to £39,355 per annum
Post Type
Full Time
Closing Date
23.59 hours BST on Thursday 12 June 2025
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
023925

Responsibilities

THE ROLE

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position to work in the Catalysis for Chemical Circularity Group in School of Engineering, University of Surrey. The main role of the post holder will be to carry out research in polyester-based plastic (PET, PLA, etc) depolymerisation into monomer chemicals using mechanochemistry, developing research expertise and portfolios in this emerging field towards a circular plastic economy. This interdisciplinary project is in close collaboration with academics in University of Birmingham, Imperial College London and Queen’s University of Belfast, and companies in the waste management and plastic production sectors. By participating in the stakeholder engagement, the post holder will gain great insight in the plastic chemical recycling field, and development their professional network and career growth. The main project objectives are:
O1. Design efficient nanoscale zeolite catalysts and robust mechanochemical process to recycle PET and PLA into monomer feedstocks.
O2. Benchmark different mechanochemical reaction systems for kinetics and parameter translation.
O3. Understand the depolymerisation mechanism using advanced characterisation for further catalyst discovery and process engineering.

SOME OF THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • To conduct data analysis and ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
  • To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
  • To present the work to industrial collaborators, as advised by the supervisors
  • To report on a regular basis about the progress of the work at meetings with the academic leaders
  • To provide support to the PhD, MSc and project students within the academic leaders’ research group
  • To contribute to the smooth running of the academic leaders’ research laboratories and, facilities with other users and technicians within the laboratories.
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