Research Assistant (104230 - 0721)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
School of Engineering
Salary
£26,715 - £30,046 per annum
Location
University of Warwick - Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Fixed Term Contract - 31 December 2021
36.5 hours per week
You will undertake research on PREEVENT (Plastic Recyling Enables Economic Value and an Enchanced Environment) Project to assist the Principal Investigator and project partners in the successful execution of the project. You will undertake independent and collaborative research and will be expected to write up your research for publication. You will be expected to deal with any management/administration problems that may arise from the project and produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met.
This post is based at the University of Warwick (using our advanced facilities in the School of Engineering), but the successful candidate will be able to work remotely following the university flexible working guidelines. The successful candidate will be required to make trips to Malaysia to participate in fieldwork, workshops, etc.; therefore, readiness to embark on long haul travel is essential.
We are looking for an outstanding individual that has excellent policy, regulatory and sustainability understanding on plastic waste recycling, alongside analytical and systematic review skills.
You will have a first-class or upper second class honours degree in a subject that enables you to demonstrate excellent systematic review, report writing and analytical skills. Experience and understanding of waste management legislation in the UK, particularly relating to plastic recycling and related externalities of pollution and policy measures, is essential. The application of Extended Producer Responsibility (and international variants) to address plastic circular economy would be a distinct advantage. Experience of the political and regulatory environment in Malaysia is essential as the role will generate insights into how Malaysia can support systematic change to its plastic recycling economy. A clear understanding of advanced recycling solutions and how they apply to waste plastics is also a requirement. Excellent writing, communication and sensitivity to the social and political environment are essential attributes for the successful candidate. In addition, the successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills to conduct an effective stakeholder engagement analysis, and subsequently engage, assess stakeholders and build collaboration around the project objectives.
Applications from candidates in groups under-represented in the Engineering sector are particularly welcome.
The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.
Interview Date - TBC
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
Undertake research in order to support the work of the School and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Assist the Principal Investigator and, where appropriate, project collaborators in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Research
1. Undertake research into the policy and regulatory environment in Malaysia in waste management generally, and plastics specifically, combining academic, industry, social and NGO-related data and evidence sources and engaging in first-hand engagement with relevant governmental, industry, High Commission and academic stakeholders.
2. Conduct literature and database searches, identifying publish and unpublished ’grey’ literature from sources identified with stakeholders.
3. Engage in-country partners working independently to conduct in-depth research.
4. Identify and analyse stakeholders in plastic waste management in Malaysia.
5. Build effective and productive working relationships with stakeholders in the plastic value chain.
6. Continue to update environmental, social and economic knowledge and develop analytical skills from different data and evidence sources.
7. Write up results of own research and communicate effectively to stakeholders in UK and Malaysia, using awareness and sensitivity at all times.
8. Produce research reports and publications.
9. To ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
10. To participate in department life and attend departmental meetings as required.
11. To work within budget constraints.
Teaching and Learning Support
12. Assist in the supervision of student projects.
13. Give demonstrations to students.
14. Could be expected to contribute to introductory courses, for example on the use of research methods and equipment.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are for guidance on the main aspects of the job. The post holder will be expected to be flexible in their duties. Occasional weekend, evening and overseas working may be required, in turn the School offers flexible working where possible.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
Good honours degree (2.1 minimum) or equivalent in a relevant subject. (a)
Essential Criteria 2
Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within own area. (a)
Essential Criteria 3
Strong research potential with the ability or potential to publish high quality work in relevant fields. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 4
Range of quantitative and/or qualitative research skills. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 5
Understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 6
Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, including those external to the University, to promote and contribute towards a collegial environment. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 7
Able to demonstrate a capacity to contribute collegiately to the life and community of the School by undertaking a variety of duties, such as supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which will occasionally require weekend work.(a) (c) (d)
Essential Criteria 8
Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and proven ability to use IT to write technical research papers and presentations.(a) (c) (d)
Essential Criteria 9
Able to evidence excellent interpersonal skills with relevant experience of working independently and as part of a team.(a) (c)
Essential Criteria 10
Able to evidence strong time management and organisational skills (a) (c).
Essential Criteria 11
Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. (a) (c) (d)
Essential Criteria 12
Understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 13
Experience and understanding of waste management legislation in the UK, particularly relating to plastic recycling and related externalities of pollution and policy measures, is essential. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 14
Experience of the political and regulatory environment in Malaysia is essential as the role will generate insights into how Malaysia can support systematic change to its plastic recycling economy. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 15
A clear understanding of advanced recycling solutions and how they apply to waste plastics is also a requirement. (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Experience of funding proposals (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 2
The application of Extended Producer Responsibility (and international variants) to address plastic circular economy would be a distinct advantage. (a) (c)
Further Particulars
The Post / Project
The project will undertake an in-depth review of the policy, regulatory and industrially-related activities on the creation of a circular plastics economy in Malaysia. The project will work with a range of high-profile and important stakeholders including the British High Commission, Malaysian Government, industry sector groups and waste management sector, requiring the post holder to work with considerable political awareness, and operate sensitively to engage and build productive working relationships. The project will deliver a range of outputs, encompassing background information and analysis, that will shape pilot circular plastic programmes in target locations in Malaysia. The post holder is expected to have a high-quality degree in a discipline which has enabled them to have excellent systematic review and analysis skills, focusing on the policy and regulatory landscape for plastic waste management. Experience of the regulatory, social and economic environment on sustainability issues for waste management will be a distinct advantage.
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars .
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website .
Athena SWAN
The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Silver award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/about/athenaswan/

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Other Information
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Closing Date
8 Aug 2021