Description
ABOUT THE ROLE
Joining a dynamic, interdisciplinary team, you will work at the nexus between environmental science and design, tackling fibre fragmentation caused by the production, consumption and disposal of textile products.
You will play a central role in developing root cause understanding of fibre fragmentation, situated in The FibER (Fibre-fragmentation and Environment Research) Hub at Northumbria University, an advanced laboratory which explores the full extent and environmental impact of fibre loss and release from textiles. The Hub is a partnership between Northumbria University and The Microfibre Consortium aiming to bridge disciplinary knowledge between environmental science, forensic science and design.
The primary focus of the role will be to undertake industry standard test methods for quantifying fibre fragmentation through simulated washing, including The TMC Method, ISO 4484-1/2/3 and DIN SPEC 1912. Knowledge of these methods is preferable but not a requirement as full training will be provided. Additional tasks may include fibre characterisation utilising methods such as optical microscopy, PLM (polarised light microscopy), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)
This 12-month position continues the insights generated by the IMPACT+ Network, funded through the UKRI Circular Fashion and Textile Programme NetworkPlus.
Further information is available in the job description
ABOUT THE TEAM
This research Project will be delivered within the The FibER Hub at Northumbria University led by Dr Alana James and Dr Kelly Sheridan, working very closely with the IMPACT+ research group, and project partners The Microfibre Consortium. Adopting an applied approach to their research, the team works extensively with global fashion and textile stakeholders, including manufacturers, brands, NGO's, charities, industry bodies and local and national government.
This research bridges disciplinary siloes, utilising scientific methodologies to address global environmental challenges within the fashion and textile industries. This consortium brings together expertise in atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environments focusing on environmental impact caused by the production, consumption, use and disposal of fashion products. This scientific knowledge is complimented by expertise in sustainable design innovation, consumer behaviour and communication adopting a holistic approach to responsible practices across the breadth of the value chain.
ABOUT YOU
Applicants should hold a degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, Textile Engineering or a closely related discipline. A PhD (or equivalent professional or research experience) is required for employment at this level. Experience of working within a laboratory environment is essential.
You will be a proactive, organised individual who is keen to problem solve and explore possibilities, with the autonomy to plan and execute a self-initiated programme of work. You will have excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple activities in parallel and meet delivery deadlines.
You should be comfortable working within a multidisciplinary research environment, collaborating with scientists, designers, and industry partners, and adapting your practices to meet the needs of the tasks allocated. Experience or interest in applying scientific research towards sustainable challenges is highly desirable.
Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Alana James )
To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
ABOUT US
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.
With over 37,000 students from over 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy. Explore "Our Exceptional People, Our Values and Behaviours" page to learn more about our commitments and see our for further details.