Location University of Warwick Campus, Coventry Department WMG Position Type Fixed Term Duration Ending 31 December 2027 Salary £34,866 to £45,163 per annum About the Role For informal enquiries, please contact Ton Peijs (Professor of Polymer Processes) at T.Peijswarwick.ac.uk. WMG, a world-renowned department at the University of Warwick, is recruiting a Research Fellow to advance data-driven recycling technologies for plastics. A critical challenge in plastic recycling is the variability in recyclate quality. Despite advancements in sorting systems, processors must manage fluctuations in processability and material properties due to the diverse grades within a single polymer family. Even in closed-loop recycling of a single polymer grade, properties can vary due to degradation. Upgrading recyclates by adding virgin polymer or specific additives can mitigate some of these effects, but the process is batch-dependent, complicating the production of high-quality recyclate. As part of the EPSRC-funded PLASTIC project (Plastics Analysis, Sorting & Recycling Technologies Through Intelligent Classification), we aim to address these challenges. The project will leverage the rheological behaviour of recycled polymers to better understand their thermo-mechanical properties. By applying machine learning (ML) principles and in-line process monitoring during extrusion compounding, we will develop a digitally enabled recycling system. This system will predict recyclate processability and properties and optimize upgrading strategies for specific specifications. You will work within the Centre for Polymer Composites (CPC) at WMG with leading, multidiscipline academics and industry experts for impactful research to exploit innovation and research in the field of polymer recycling, and will develop and enhance the Department’s reputation, both internally and external to the University. You will publish research of international excellence and support the team’s activities in industrial consultancy. You will provide input into the development of teaching content for various programmes within the team’s remit, deliver specific modules and supervise research students to doctoral level. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so. About You We are seeking a highly qualified researcher with a PhD or EngD in Polymer Science and Engineering or a closely related discipline. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in polymer processing and rheology, with a strong track record of understanding the relationship between the rheological behaviour of polymers, their processability, and their resulting properties. Some experience in AI/ML technologies will also be beneficial. This role provides an exciting opportunity to engage in both independent and collaborative research. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to team efforts. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential to secure external funding through research grants, publish findings in high-impact journals, and expand their research portfolio. Additionally, the role requires active participation in the administrative and reporting aspects of the project to ensure the timely delivery of objectives. If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure. About the Department WMG is the largest department at the University of Warwick with over 800 staff, world renowned for providing innovative solutions to industry through its research, development and education programmes. Our industry focussed education portfolio includes nearly 3,000 students studying management, technology and applied engineering subjects, at postgraduate and undergraduate level. At WMG we are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognizes the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. For further information about WMG, please visit our website. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/ About the University Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’. You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed. QS World University Rankings 2024 Research Excellence Framework 2021 How to Apply CLOSING DATE: Sunday 26 January 2025 at 11.55pm To apply, please click ‘Apply’ below and submit an application form by the closing date. Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application past this deadline. Please attach a CV and cover letter. Your CV should include your most recent employment experience, any other relevant experience, and education history. Your cover letter must detail how you meet each of the essential criteria found in the