Main function
To conduct research within polymer recycling and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research
* To conduct research within polymer recycling, specifically focussed on automotive plastics, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
* To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
* To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
* To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
* To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
* To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
* To participate in School research activities.
* To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
Other
* To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School's profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
* To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
* To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
* Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in polymer synthesis/recycling, or related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
1. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i. Polymer synthesis.
ii. Depolymerisation.
iii. Analysis of polymers and plastics (including plastic additives).
1. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field.
2. Proven ability to publish in international journals and present at national/international conferences.
3. Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding or knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.
Communication and Team Working
1. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
2. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.
Other
1. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.
2. Proven ability to work without close supervision.
Desirable Criteria
1. Evidence of working in an interdisciplinary team.
2. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
3. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Plastics have conferred huge benefits to almost every aspect of life, and yet unresolved problems in dealing with plastic waste has left a legacy of pollution and environmental harm. While single-use plastics have been the subject of increasing legislation, plastics in the automotive sector contribute significantly to waste streams but do not have readily-accessible alternatives. It is imperative that improved recycling technologies are developed in order circumvent the waste produced from end-of-life vehicles.
The ECOPLAST project seeks to develop an effective recycling platform for automotive plastics and involves stakeholder partners from academia, the automotive industry, and the plastic recycling sector. The Cardiff-led project will focus on developing infinite plastic recycling using depolymerisation technology to return plastics to their original monomers, prior to repolymerisation into plastics without reduction in performance or value.
Salary Range Min.
41,064
Salary Range Max.
46,049
Job Category
Academic - Research
Grade
Grade 6