Research Fellow Sustainable Future Textiles

The University of Southampton is hiring a Research Fellow in Sustainable Future Textiles for a full-time fixed term role until November 2026. The position focuses on developing advanced materials and sustainable technologies for smart textiles. Responsibilities include initiating projects, mentoring students, and supporting grant applications. The university promotes an inclusive work environment and offers flexible working options, although the role is based in Winchester, UK.
Full Time Fixed Term until 01/11/2026

Introduction

The University of Southampton is committed to excellence in all we do, applying our insights and inventiveness to solve the most complex societal and environmental challenges. As a world-leading, research-intensive university, with a strong and high-quality educational offering, we are renowned for our innovation and enterprise and are within the top 1% of universities worldwide.

The role and about you

As a Research fellow you will be working mainly on the research in the development of new advanced materials (e.g., graphene, other 2D materials) and sustainable digital technologies (e.g., inkjet printing), aimed at developing sustainable future textiles for smart wearable e-textiles, eco-friendly circular clothing, and natural fibre-reinforced composites applications. The post holder is expected to support bidding activities for external grants in these exciting areas of research.

As an international fellow, you will have a curiosity and range of interests that may include (but not exclusive to) new materials, wearable -textiles, inkjet printing, sustainable textiles, fibre-reinforced composites, textiles recycling, printing, textiles, electronics, manufacturing, and materials science. You will have a combination of visual, technical and creative skills, are adaptable, willing to fail, try new technologies and work outside your comfort zone.

You will be responsible for initiating new projects, nurturing ideas and mentoring students. You will establish new network groups, bringing together different research groups and laboratories developing research bids, fellowship applications, seminars and symposia, exhibitions and portfolios, working with local outreach and international communities, and enhancing the impact and dissemination of research.

As a researcher, you will need to demonstrate a portfolio of internationally significant outputs, for example, as high-quality journal papers, inventions and conference presentations.

What we can offer you

Working at the University of Southampton gives you access to a wide range of benefits in addition to our competitive rates of pay. Our core benefits include pension scheme membership; a generous annual leave allowance (supplemented by university closure days and public holidays) and excellent family leave arrangements.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. We welcome applications from candidates who are committed to helping us create an inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+; and people with disabilities.

Committed to supporting our staff and students, we are open to a flexible working approach. We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly and those who have taken a career break

If you wish to discuss the role in more detail, please email Prof Nazmul Karim (Nazmul.karim@soton.ac.uk) for an informal conversation.
• Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Application procedure

You should submit your completed application form online at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk.

Please apply by uploading your CV and a Cover Letter.

From £40,247 per annum