Research Fellow in Process Systems for Sustainable Packaging

The University of Leeds is hiring a Research Fellow in Process Systems for Sustainable Packaging. This fixed-term role (up to 18 months) focuses on developing mathematical models and optimization protocols to enhance sustainable packaging solutions. The position involves mapping supply chains and evaluating manufacturing methods to address plastic waste in FMCG packaging. The role requires a strong interest in sustainability and process systems engineering, with a salary range of £39,355 to £46,735.
Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Working time: 37.5 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed Term (Up to 18 months - To complete specific time limited work.)

Do you have a strong interest in eliminating single-use plastic packaging? Do you have experience in Process Systems Engineering and Sustainability? Are you keen to develop your career in optimising novel material supply chains?

Achieving a sustainable and net zero ambition for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) packaging is a massive industry-wide challenge. The biggest contributor to FMCG plastic waste footprint are products within single-use, single-dose flexible packaging. Today, there is no formal or informal collection infrastructure for these environmentally persistent formats, leading to very high levels of littering, with the rest ending up in landfills.

In this project, you will develop mathematical models and optimisation protocols to improve our understanding of machinability and viability during large-scale deployment of novel sustainable packaging. This will involve mapping the materials resource supply chain across geopolitical boundaries, integrating novel manufacturing methods into an intensified process flowsheet, developing life cycle sustainability assessments through multiple decision criteria and evaluating supply chain uncertainties aligned to FMCG packaging.

This project is funded via the UKRI EPSRC early-stage Prosperity Partnership across Imperial College, the University of Leeds, the University of Manchester and an international FMCG company, to address the critical issues of the lack of a truly sustainable packaging alternative.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr. Keeran Ward, Lecturer in Chemical Engineering

Email: K.R.Ward@leeds.ac.uk

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

£39,355 to £46,735 per annum - Due to funding restrictions, an appointment will not be made higher than £40,497 per annum