Research Associate in Materials Science

Closing Date: Midnight on 10th May 2022

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. 

Job Summary

A 2-year research position is available as part of an Innovate UK funded project in collaboration with EnviroPET and Strathclyde University. The successful candidate will lead research to develop recycling plastics technology. The position will be based at Heriot-Watt University within the Polymer Materials Group (PMG) led by Prof David Bucknall. The PMG develops and exploits the fundamental knowledge base and applies this to solving real-world challenges. A major focus of the work within the PMG is in sustainability and circular economy of polymers and composites.

Through this 24 month industrially focussed research project, ENVIROPET in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University (HWU) are developing a ground-breaking technology, which aims to enable inclusion of a minimum 30% rPET addition to bottle-grade PET. An additional target will be the ability to include up to 20% washed and unprocessed PET-flake without losing the mechanical and optical properties of the PET-bottle. The technology to be developed by HWU will focus on the use of liquid processing additives (LPAs) as a method to achieve homogenization of rPET with PET-flake feedstocks without any concomitant loss in either processing (i.e. viscosity) behaviour or final properties (mechanical and gas permeation). The research will explore how LPAs affect the mechanical, thermal, optical and barrier properties of PET-rPET blends via extensive testing and characterisation. Spectroscopic characterisation will be co-supervised by Prof Martin McCoustra, an experienced surface scientist with expertise in IR, optical and surface spectroscopic techniques.

The post holder is required to develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis.

Essential Criteria (following the link for full criteria)

• Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge and or research methods and techniques to work in own area. 
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural work environment.
• Experience of working in a Higher Education or similar environment.
• Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area of polymer science/engineering or materials science.

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

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Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk .