Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate in Polymer Recycling
- Cardiff
- £41,064-46,049 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff UniversityWe seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on the ECOPLAST project to develop a circular economy of automotive plastics, funded by the EU Horizon programme. It brings together European partners from both academia and industry. Cardiff University researchers will contribute expertise in developing a perpetual circular economy of automotive plastics using depolymerisation techniques.The project will focus on the chemical depolymerisation of automotive plastics, optimisation of monomer recovery, verification of monomer purity, and repolymerisation of recovered monomers to reform the original polymers. The research will be conducted as part of the wider project consortium and will inform the research strategies so that the overall project goals are attained.Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in polymer synthesis/recycling, or related subject area or relevant industrial experience.Further information is available at the following group webpages:Dr Ben Ward https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/wardbdFor informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr Ben Ward: e-mail wardbd@cardiff.ac.ukFor further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact: Ms Caroline Pasmore
(Chemy-HR@cardiff.ac.uk )This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available immediately for 2 years.To work for an employer that values and promotes equality of opportunity, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy number: 20746BR.Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). It is not anticipated that an appointment be made above
£41,064 per annum (Grade 6.32).Important note: It is the University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 20746BR.Closing date: Thursday, 18 September 2025External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply - please check back periodically for details.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:Post Reference Number20746BRJob DescriptionMain functionTo conduct research within polymer recycling and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesResearch
- To conduct research within polymer recycling, specifically focussed on automotive plastics, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
- To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School's profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.