Research Associate Developing Sustainable Polymers for Liquid Formulations York 2024

A position is available within Prof Helen Sneddon’s research group as part of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership between the Universities of York and Nottingham and industrial partner Croda. Special polymers for liquid formulations are a key part of many everyday products from shower gel to crop protection and the aim of this collaboration is to identify and develop novel biobased and biodegradable polymers for these formulations. This role is fixed term for 36 months and is available full time or on a part time basis working a minimum of 29.6 hours per week.

The post would suit someone from a polymer chemistry background.

The department

The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular, sustainable 21st century economy, specialising in renewable feedstocks, green synthesis, sustainable technologies and design for sustainable reuse/degradation/recovery.

The Department of Chemistry is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. We have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award.

We strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, flourish, and excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture across all staff groups and levels. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education. Further information can be found within this brief and on our website.

The role

• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research:
  • To polymerise biobased monomers, and characterise and evaluate resulting products
  • To write up the results for publication in scientific journals

• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects

Skills, experience & qualifications needed

• A first degree in Chemistry or natural sciences
• PhD in Polymer Chemistry
• Knowledge and experience of a range of polymerisation techniques
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative chemistry research
• Ability and experience in writing up research work for publication
• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals
• Ability and experience in working closely within a team environment and independently using own initiative
• Personal commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Additional info

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Helen Sneddon at helen.sneddon@york.ac.uk

The Department of Chemistry values all employees for the qualities and skills they bring to the workplace and aims to be a diverse and egalitarian community in which all can thrive.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork