Career

Role Summary

The University of Birmingham, a world-leading research-intensive institution, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the Horizon Europe–funded ECOFUNC project, focused on developing sustainable construction materials and circular end-of-life solutions. Based across the Schools of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy & Materials, the role offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

The successful candidate will play a central role in developing an environmentally benign recycling process for PHA-based construction panels—an emerging class of biodegradable composite materials. While these materials are designed to biodegrade, this project aims to enable true circularity by recovering their chemical value through low-temperature depolymerisation into reusable monomers such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid. Building on recent laboratory breakthroughs, the research will focus on translating bench-scale hydrolysis processes into scalable, industrially relevant technologies.

The role involves designing and conducting experiments to optimise reaction conditions, applying Design of Experiments methodologies, and performing detailed polymer and product characterisation using advanced analytical techniques. The PDRA will also investigate reaction kinetics and scale-up challenges, contributing to the development of pilot-scale processes. Alongside experimental work, the researcher will support the creation of process models and a conceptual design for a commercial recycling facility, informing life cycle and techno-economic assessments conducted with project partners.

The postholder will disseminate findings through high-quality publications, conference presentations, and collaboration with international academic and industrial partners. Additional responsibilities include contributing to research funding proposals, supervising students, supporting project management activities, and engaging in enterprise and impact generation, including potential commercialisation pathways.

Person Specification

• A first degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, and normally a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant research area
• Strong analytical capability with demonstrated experience in experimental chemical or process engineering research, particularly in polymers, chemical recycling, reaction engineering, or related fields
• Experience in designing and safely conducting laboratory experiments, including the application of Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies
• Practical experience with analytical techniques relevant to polymer or chemical process research (e.g. spectroscopic, chromatographic, thermal, or microscopic methods)
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, both in writing and verbally
• Proficiency in applying relevant research methods, models, and techniques, with the ability to contribute to their development
• Ability to plan and manage independent research activities, including effective use of resources and time
• Understanding of, and ability to contribute to, project management and administrative processes
• Ability to work collaboratively, coordinating activities with others to ensure efficient delivery and avoid duplication of effort
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, including knowledge of the Equality Act 2010, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive working environment

Informal enquires can be made to Dr. Matt Keith {m.j.keith@bham.ac.uk} 

Find out more and apply.