Research Fellow in Sustainable Depolymerisation - School of Chemistry - 106588 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Birmingham seeks a Research Fellow in Sustainable Depolymerisation to support a European Commission‑funded project. The role involves researching circular 3D printing resins, collaborating with partners, and publishing findings. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant area and have strong analytical and communication skills. This full-time, fixed-term role offers a competitive salary and is based on-site.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent relevant to the research area, or preparing to defend one.
• Excellent research profile in polymerisation and depolymerisation.
• High analytical capability and experience with polymer characterisation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research into circular 3D-printing resins and depolymerisation.
• Produce regular reports and write scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals.
• Provide guidance and supervision to support staff and students.

Skills

Research profile in polymerisation and depolymerisation

Analytical capability

Data analysis and interpretation

Effective communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

First degree in a relevant field

Tools

NMR

IR

Chromatography

DSC

TGA

Tensile testing

Job description

Research Fellow in Sustainable Depolymerisation – School of Chemistry – 106588 – Grade 7

Join the University of Birmingham as a Research Fellow in Sustainable Depolymerisation, supporting a European Commission‑funded project on circular 3D printed polymer resins.

Position Details

• School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
• Grade: 7
• Full time, fixed‑term contract until March 2029
• Closing date: 6 January 2026
• Salary range: £36,636‑£46,049 (potential progression to £48,822)
• UK and international travel may be required
• Interviews: 15 – 23 January 2026

Background

This role will advance the design of fully circular 3D printing resins, focusing on improving depolymerisation and resin development for easier circularisation. The project is part of an ERC Advanced Grant and will be hosted in Prof. Andrew Dove’s group within the School of Chemistry.

Role Summary

• Undertake research into the design of circular 3D‑printing resins, including depolymerisation of printed materials under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Dove.
• Produce regular reports, attend project meetings, give presentations to the group, and write papers for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Actively participate in the Dove research group, help supervise students, maintain equipment, and train personnel.
• Collaborate with project partners in meetings and joint work.

Main Duties

• Perform high‑quality research and data collection in the specified area.
• Keep up‑to‑date with relevant literature and contribute new ideas, techniques, and methods.
• Analyse and interpret project data and apply knowledge to develop new intellectual understanding.
• Write and submit scientific papers and research funding bids.Disseminate findings via presentations at group meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Provide guidance and supervision to support staff and students.
• Handle administrative tasks such as organising project review meetings and seminars.
• Support departmental and school research activities and public engagement, under supervision of a project leader.
• Troubleshoot issues that may affect research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in a relevant field.
• PhD (or equivalent) relevant to the research area, or preparing to defend one.
• Excellent research profile in polymerisation and depolymerisation.
• High analytical capability and experience with polymer characterisation techniques such as NMR, IR, chromatography, DSC, TGA, and tensile testing.
• Willingness to learn interdisciplinary techniques.
• Independent and team‑oriented work style.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.Excellent written communication and a record of successful publications.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Some experience with broader management or administrative processes.
• Co‑ordination of work to avoid conflict or duplication.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and commitment to staff with protected characteristics.

Informal enquiries may be made to Andrew Dove: [e-mail].

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunities employer and commits to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It holds Athena SWAN Bronze, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations, and has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre dedicated to continually improving fairness and inclusion across the university.