Research Associate in Circular Chemical Engineering

Job details

Job title:

Research Associate in Circular Chemistry / Circular Chemical Engineering

Job reference: REQ
260354

Posted: 09/06/2026 | Closing date: 20/07/2026

Location:

Loughborough

Package:
Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,608

Full Time, 30‑month fixed‑term, office based

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment – to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under‑represented within our community.

We are looking for two talented researchers in the areas of catalysis and reaction engineering to develop new catalytic pathways to selectively upgrade bio‑oils and waste CO₂ into chemical platforms such as methanol, olefins and functionalised oxygenates. The two 30‑month positions are funded through CIRCARB (Circular and Biogenic Carbon Pathways for a Sustainable Future), a £6M strategic investment from EPSRC, involving academics from Aston University, Loughborough University and the University of Edinburgh.

Post holders will work closely together to design, synthesise and characterise novel heterogeneous catalysts; propose and explore new reaction pathways; develop equipment and analytical methods to study their application under industrially relevant conditions; and contribute to cross‑cutting activities such as feedstock mapping, digital carbon passports, policy and standards development. Potential opportunities for secondments and research exchanges with industrial and academic partners are available.

• PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong background in the design, synthesis and characterisation of heterogeneous catalysts.
• Experience in reactor design and commissioning, process simulation, industry engagement and multidisciplinary working is highly desirable.

• Real Living Wage Employer with additional supplementary payments at specific pay points.
• Generous holiday allowance including 14 university closure days and bank holidays; option to buy extra days.
• Access to a wide range of facilities and green space across the 523‑acre East Midlands campus, and community events at the London campus.
• Competitive pay, two pension schemes and everyday savings opportunities.
• Life event leave policies and onsite nursery at the East Midlands campus; flexible and hybrid working options.
• Discounted gym memberships, world‑class sporting facilities, physiotherapy, eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
• Electric vehicle and cycle‑to‑work schemes; travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Interview Date:
Expected August