Research Associate in Mechanical Recycling Processes

Research Associate in Mechanical Recycling Processes

Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,608 to £41,064 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

Full Time, Fixed Term for 27 months

This role is not suitable for remote working and is office / laboratory based only. It is essential that the post holder has the ability and willingness to travel to national and international partners and undertake occasional short visits to project partners.

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.

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 Department of Materials. The role sits within a highly interdisciplinary, industry-facing environment with strong links to national partners and real-world applications.

This is a fixed-term post for 27 months, contributing to 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 buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
• Facilities - Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523 acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• Financial Wellbeing - Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support - Through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, 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 - Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments you would like to request, please contact Professor Shahin Rahimifard. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

Title:

Research Associate in Mechanical Recycling Processes

Closing Date: 05 July 2026

Interview Date: week commencing 20 July 2026

Job status:
Full Time, Fixed Term for 27 months.

Salary: £35,608 – £41,064 per annum.