Research Fellow in Geo-Mechanochemistry

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position to work in the Catalysis for Chemical Circularity Group in the School of Engineering, University of Surrey. The main role of the post holder will be to carry out research to develop a geological inspired mechanochemical‑UV process for efficient ROS production, using earth‑abundant rock minerals. This interdisciplinary project is in close collaboration with academics in the University of Newcastle, University of Birmingham, and companies in the waste management and plastic production sectors.

By participating in the stakeholder engagement, the post holder will gain great insight in the geo‑mechanochemistry and plastic chemical recycling field. In addition, as part of a new EPSRC supporting career development initiative, the post holder will be provided with a separate amount of career development funding dedicated for their career development.

• Mineral screening for ROS generation and inter‑discipline knowledge transfer.
• Optimise control parameters with high‑throughput mechanochemical platform, and investigate interaction between mechanochemistry and UV.
• Demonstrate the effectiveness of on‑demand ROS generation for polyolefin waste upcycling.

The successful candidate should hold or be about to receive a PhD in Material Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. You should have a strong background in experimental catalyst design, characterisation and testing. Prior knowledge of mechanochemistry, polymer chemistry and physics, plastic chemical recycling is especially welcomed.

• Practical experience with experimental design, catalytic reactions, material characterisation and chemical product analysis.
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature.
• Skilled in characterisation and analysis techniques such as XRD, FTIR, TGA, Raman spectroscopy, chromatography, NMR, and mass spectroscopy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and attend conferences.

• Generous pension.
• Relocation assistance where appropriate.
• Flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties).
• Access to world‑class leisure facilities on campus.
• A range of travel schemes.
• Supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on‑site nursery.