Research Associate in Mechanical Recycling Processes

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment – to create better futures together. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and those from minoritized groups who are under‑represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a balanced work and personal life and support colleagues in achieving this through family‑friendly policies and flexible working arrangements, including part‑time, flexible, or job share options where possible.

Job title: Research Associate in Mechanical Recycling Processes
Reference: REQ
260336
Date posted: 28/05/2026
Closing date: 05/07/2026
Location: Loughborough
Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6, from £35,608 to £41,064 per annum (subject to annual pay award)
Term: Full‑time, Fixed Term for 27 months

Employer: Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University

Role summary: This post is office/laboratory‑based. The holder will travel nationally and internationally to visit project partners and will undertake occasional short visits to partners overseas.

We are looking for a motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, ideally with experience in recycling processes and lifecycle analysis. You will bring strong experimental, analytical and problem‑solving skills, a track record of research dissemination, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary academic and industry teams.

You will be based at Loughborough University within the Wolfson School, working in the Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies (SMART), and collaborating closely with the Sports Technology Institute and the Department of Materials. The role sits within a highly interdisciplinary, industry‑facing environment with strong links to national partners and real‑world applications.

This fixed‑term post for 27 months supports a major EPSRC and Defra‑funded project addressing synthetic sports turf recycling. Candidates should have (or be near completion of) a PhD in a relevant discipline, experience in experimental research and mechanical process development, and a willingness to engage with industry partners, travel, and contribute to project delivery and dissemination.

• Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days through our holiday purchase scheme.
• Where you work – access to a range of facilities with plenty of green space across our 523‑acre East Midlands campus and a welcoming community at our London campus.
• Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support for you and those close to you – life‑event leave policies and access to an on‑site nursery at our East Midlands campus, with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world‑class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
• Travel and sustainability – electric vehicle and cycle‑to‑work schemes, and a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religious or philosophical beliefs, age, or disability.