Research Fellow - Materials Science

Nanomaterials for the selective capture of waste volatile anaesthetics project: This project has received funding as part of the ““Flexible, agile, scalable and sustainable medicines manufacturing” call,” funded by Innovate UK. It aims to encourage the development and adoption of flexible, agile, scalable and sustainable technologies (FASST) for the development and manufacture of medicines, responding to an urgent need to decarbonise the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, promoting NetZero adoption.

This post will offer an exciting opportunity to engage with pharmaceutical and healthcare industry partners (and policymakers) and work across the region, linking to several decarbonisation activities currently being delivered at the University of Plymouth (Clean Maritime - University of Plymouth and CDORE - University of Plymouth). With experience and ideally a track record of working with nanomaterials design, synthesis and testing, the ideal candidate will enjoy working with others to define the best solutions for the implementation of nanomaterials in real-world high-throughput deployment settings, for the selective capture and recovery of high-value, waste anaesthetic compounds, with minimal loss of performance.

Experience of laboratory work, nanomaterials synthesis, characterisation (XRD, XRF, FT-IR, electron microscopy, N2/Hg porosimetry, Thermogravimetric analyses) and subsequent testing methodologies (Gas chromatography, breakthrough curve adsorption testing) is advantageous for this role. There is a requirement within this role that some travel may be required to collaborate with project partner, Sagetech Medical (based in Paignton), which may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Primary responsibilities: 

• Design, synthesise and characterise a series of novel, functionalised nanomaterials with tailored surface characteristics for compound-specific adsorption and recovery.
• Determine the operational parameters for optimal anaesthetic compound capture, utilising these parameters to further inform material/process design.
• Where appropriate, the determination and quantification of nanomaterial deactivation phenomena (as a function of time-on-stream), and creation of solutions to mitigate these processes.
• Liaise with other team members and assist with the coordination of the project.
• Analyse and present to stakeholders, scientific, industrial, and public audiences.
• Write research reports and manuscripts.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Lee Durndell, by email at [email protected]

Interviews are likely to take place on Wednesday 15th May 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 31st December 2025 subject to funding.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description