About the Role
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ton Peijs, Professor of Polymer Processes, at t.peijs@warwick.ac.uk
WMG’s Centre for Polymers and Composites (CPC) (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/research-areas/centre-for-polymers-and-composites) are looking for a talented and motivated Research Fellow to contribute to pioneering research in Sustainable Engineering Plastics. The successful candidate will join the newly established EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub in Sustainable Engineering Plastics—a £13M collaboration between the University of Warwick, the University of Manchester, and University College London.
This ambitious programme addresses the sustainability challenges of engineering plastics in the transport, electronics, and construction sectors. It investigates a wide range of solutions, including novel materials, digital technologies, reuse and repair strategies, recycling and upcycling methods, and integrated sustainability assessments.
The Hub offers a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, where post-doctoral researchers and PhD students work closely with industry partners across sectors and institutions to develop practical solutions that support the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of engineering plastics.
About You
We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with expertise in polymer science and engineering, polymer chemistry, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in recycling and sustainability.
The successful candidate will contribute to several collaborative work packages aimed at enhancing the sustainability of engineering plastics, with a particular focus on applying fundamental polymer science to industry-relevant challenges.
As we are recruiting for multiple roles, we welcome candidates with expertise in polymer processing, polymer engineering, mechanical recycling, sustainable and reversible polymer chemistries, or sustainability assessment. The post-holder will work closely with academic and industrial partners to develop actionable, high-impact solutions that promote circularity in engineering plastics.
We are looking for a strong communicator who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment, with the ability to collaborate effectively while also taking initiative and driving independent research. Excellent planning and time management skills are essential, enabling you to set clear goals, manage timelines, and deliver results efficiently.
Your responsibilities will include taking a leading role in the development of innovative polymer processing and recycling methods, chemistries, and characterisation techniques to enhance polymer circularity and sustainability.
Additionally, you will contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the research group, actively engage in knowledge exchange with colleagues and collaborators, and disseminate your findings through high-impact journal publications and conference presentations.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
About the Department
This role is based at WMG’s Materials Engineering Centre at the University of Warwick, home to the Centre for Polymers and Composites (CPC). This centre drives innovation in sustainable plastics, composites, hybrid materials, and scalable technologies, supporting projects from TRL 1 through to TRL 6.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of sustainable polymers. Your passion, expertise, and innovation will play a crucial role in shaping a future of more circular materials and responsible manufacturing.
The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.
We are globally recognised for our world‑class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.
Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.
Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.
Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.
About the University
We are a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025
Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply
CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 25th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
To apply, please click “Apply” below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV Should Include
* Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
* Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
Your Cover Letter Should Explain
* Your motivations for applying to the role.
* Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.
For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.
* Interview Date: As soon as possible
* Start Date: 1st March 2026
Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.
What we Offer
* An attractive pension scheme.
* 30 Days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
* Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
* Onsite childcare facilities.
* Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.
Find out more about our awards and accreditations.
We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Safeguarding & DBS
* Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
* The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
* All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders
The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.
Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.
Job Description
JD Research Fellow (Sustainable Engineering Plastics) (110841).pdf – 230KB Opens in a new window
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, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
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