Research Fellow
| Posting date: | 04 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £35,116.00 to £45,413.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 August 2025 |
| Location: | Warwick, Warwickshire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of Warwick |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 110610-0725 |
Summary
For informal enquiries, please contact Soroush Abolfathi (Associate Professor) Soroush.Abolfathi@warwick.ac.uk
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.
This is a full time, fixed term contract 11-14 months (contract length will depend on agreed salary due to restricted budget), ending no later than October 2026.
We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Engineering to contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable low carbon plastic waste management and recycling solutions.
In this project the post holder will develop novel algorithms and methods for analysis of plastic data collected from the GIVO Centers, including data collected on waste arising, plastic collection, sorting, mechanical recycling, and off-takers. The principal focus will be to develop digital tools that can robustly and automatically extract and analyse information/datasets about post-consumer municipal plastic waste management.
The post holder will study GHG emissions and perform an LCA for GIVO plastic waste management and recycling solutions with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of GIVO solution and reducing the footprint of plastic waste management.
The post holder will also work collaboratively with the project partners based in the UK and Nigeria to apply and test these new tools to make important advances in producing detailed datasets on plastic waste journey from collection to recycling and reuse, enhancing and scaling of the GIVO solution. In the longer term we hope this work will support and inform efforts to develop robust solutions, strategies, and policies to facilitate transitioning towards a Circular Plastic Economy (CPE) in the sub-Saharan Africa region.
This post is based at the School of Engineering, University of Warwick campus, but the successful candidate will be required to make regular trips to Nigeria, sometimes for extended periods to participate in field work, workshops, etc.; so, readiness to embark on long haul travel is essential.
We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and has a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Data Science, Sustainable Development, Life Cycle Assessment), with a strong background in data analysis and modelling.
You will demonstrate a strong track record in research, with evidence of quality outputs in a relevant field, alongside a developing profile with the potential to publish and produce high-calibre research contributions. You will undertake independent and collaborative research and will be expected to write up your research for publication.
You will be expected to demonstrate proven quantitative and qualitative research skills, specifically in the areas of Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment.
Experience with LCA software such as OpenLCA and GaBi, supported by a publication record in LCA, plastic recycling technologies, and circular plastic economy, is desirable.
Knowledge of coding and machine learning techniques for modelling and the analysis of large datasets will be considered an advantage.
Exceptional communication skills are essential, with the ability to articulate ideas effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
You will be expected to deal with any management/ administration problems that may arise from the project and produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.
For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.
This is a full time, fixed term contract 11-14 months (contract length will depend on agreed salary due to restricted budget), ending no later than October 2026.
We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Engineering to contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable low carbon plastic waste management and recycling solutions.
In this project the post holder will develop novel algorithms and methods for analysis of plastic data collected from the GIVO Centers, including data collected on waste arising, plastic collection, sorting, mechanical recycling, and off-takers. The principal focus will be to develop digital tools that can robustly and automatically extract and analyse information/datasets about post-consumer municipal plastic waste management.
The post holder will study GHG emissions and perform an LCA for GIVO plastic waste management and recycling solutions with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of GIVO solution and reducing the footprint of plastic waste management.
The post holder will also work collaboratively with the project partners based in the UK and Nigeria to apply and test these new tools to make important advances in producing detailed datasets on plastic waste journey from collection to recycling and reuse, enhancing and scaling of the GIVO solution. In the longer term we hope this work will support and inform efforts to develop robust solutions, strategies, and policies to facilitate transitioning towards a Circular Plastic Economy (CPE) in the sub-Saharan Africa region.
This post is based at the School of Engineering, University of Warwick campus, but the successful candidate will be required to make regular trips to Nigeria, sometimes for extended periods to participate in field work, workshops, etc.; so, readiness to embark on long haul travel is essential.
We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and has a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Data Science, Sustainable Development, Life Cycle Assessment), with a strong background in data analysis and modelling.
You will demonstrate a strong track record in research, with evidence of quality outputs in a relevant field, alongside a developing profile with the potential to publish and produce high-calibre research contributions. You will undertake independent and collaborative research and will be expected to write up your research for publication.
You will be expected to demonstrate proven quantitative and qualitative research skills, specifically in the areas of Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment.
Experience with LCA software such as OpenLCA and GaBi, supported by a publication record in LCA, plastic recycling technologies, and circular plastic economy, is desirable.
Knowledge of coding and machine learning techniques for modelling and the analysis of large datasets will be considered an advantage.
Exceptional communication skills are essential, with the ability to articulate ideas effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
You will be expected to deal with any management/ administration problems that may arise from the project and produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.
For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.