A 36-month Research Associate position is available within the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath to develop cavitation based chemical recycling of vinyl plastics back to monomers. About the role Vinyl plastics such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, and related materials underpin a wide range of high value applications, yet their robust carbon–carbon backbones make them exceptionally difficult to recycle at end of life. Current recycling routes are dominated by mechanical reprocessing or by high temperature thermochemical methods that operate with poor selectivity and high energy demand. These limitations present a major barrier to achieving circularity for vinylic polymers and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector. In this project, you will play a central role in developing a cavitation based process to depolymerise materials such as PMMA (Perspex). Extensive experiments around understanding solvent effects, radical initiation pathways, kinetics, and side product formation will be involved. Cavity dynamics modelling will also be performed to understand the impact of cavitating medium on cavitation intensity and reaction kinetics. You will collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Chemistry (photolytic depolymerisation and advanced characterisation) and Department of Mechanical Engineering (systems analysis) at the University of Bath. This mechanistic insight will directly inform process optimisation, reactor design, developing hybrid photolytic-cavitation processes and extension of the methodology to additional vinyl polymers and mixed plastic systems. As part of a wider team, you will contribute to a step change in sustainable polymer chemistry aligned with Net Zero and circular economy goals. Our ideal candidate PhD in chemical engineering or associated discipline Knowledge in organic solvent cavitation, cavitation of non-aqueous medium or cavity dynamics modelling Broader idea of non-thermal and non-mechanical plastic recycling or chemical recycling of plastics Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment Ability to organise and prioritise own workload to meet required deadlines Ability to write research reports and to effectively disseminate outcomes Additional information We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment. We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader ; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. What we can offer you We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer: Free counselling services through Health Assured Cycle to work scheme Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme Staff discount at Team Bath gym Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees Staff discount on language courses Generous employer contributory pension schemes Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath Local discounts and more A family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce Relocation allowance Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn. Closing Date: 12 Jun 2026 Department: Education & Research Salary: £38,784 to £46,049