Research Assistant​/Associate in Advanced Spectroscopy Sustainable Chemicals

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Requisition

Location:

Newcastle, GB

Contract Type:
Fixed Term

Working Pattern:
Full Time

Posted Date: 25 Aug 2026

Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate: £36,636 to £37,694 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 13 September 2026

We are excited to launch this new opportunity for a Research Assistant or Associate Advanced Spectroscopy for Sustainable Chemicals to join us in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. This role is part of the national Great British Chemicals consortium and focuses on developing The Analytical Toolbox for benign-by-design alternatives to enable more sustainable, low‑carbon and circular approaches to chemical manufacturing.

You will develop and use a GB Chemicals analytical suite to enhance the understanding of (1) catalysis for upgrading fossil‑free feed stocks; (2) chemical degradation products and their environmental implications. Both are linked by a need to understand the reaction mechanisms using in‑situ and operando spectroscopy. The post offers excellent opportunities for publications, collaboration and professional development, with strong mentoring and access to state of the art facilities in the Energy Materials Laboratory and the Newcastle University Transient Absorption Spectroscopy and Microscopy Facility.

The Great British Chemicals programme is a flagship investment funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). We will make, collate and translate knowledge from research on defossilising the chemicals value chain across technologies, policy, energy and industrial systems, to deliver impact in partnership with industry, civic bodies, national government and the third sector ensuring a strong economy, and an improved environment, which is fair, and creates inclusive opportunities.

The scheme will support the transition of UK industrial manufacturing processes and operations to net zero and drive a sustainable industrial future. This position is a crucial step for early‑career researchers aiming for careers in academia or industry, providing extensive experience in a high‑demand, impactful field.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with a passion for collaboration and the ability to interact and engage with a diverse network of specialists in industry and academia. We are looking for candidates who have experience in operando and in‑situ spectroscopy, and the design of bespoke reaction vessels, cells, or fixtures and experiments to undertake spectroscopy in unusual or new environments.

This is a 2 year fixed term role. We would be happy to consider flexible or part time working. There is an expectation that the majority of the work would be laboratory based.

We follow the Researcher Development Concordat:
Researcher Development | Our Research | Newcastle University . We enable all colleagues to fulfil their research potential regardless of career stage. This commitment secures our thrivingresearch culture and vibrant research environment. Our offer to each individual and their researcher development includes mentoring, annual research planning discussions, pooled research funding to support career development and research activities, peer review support for the development of research and innovation funding applications.

Mentoring and career development planning with the PI and access to institutional training will be provided. Opportunities to develop advanced skills in automation, quantitative analysis and scientific writing through our “People” theme. Conference attendance and networking within the national consortium of 10 universities, subject to project needs and budget.

As an EPSRC/NERC funded role, the successful applicant may be eligible for the Endorsed Funder Route of the Global Talent…