Research Fellow (Sustainable Engineering Plastics)

The University of Warwick is hiring a Research Fellow in Sustainable Engineering Plastics to join the EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub. The role involves collaborative research focused on enhancing sustainability in engineering plastics across various sectors. Candidates should have expertise in polymer science, recycling, and sustainability. Responsibilities include developing innovative processing methods and contributing to strategic research directions while collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
About The Role Informal Queries For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ton Peijs, Professor of Polymer Processes, at T.Peijs@warwick.ac.uk. WMG’s Centre for Polymers and Composites (CPC) are looking for a talented and motivated Research Fellow to contribute to pioneering research in Sustainable Engineering Plastics. The successful candidate will join the newly established EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub in Sustainable Engineering Plastics—a £13M collaboration between the University of Warwick, the University of Manchester, and University College London.


This ambitious programme addresses the sustainability challenges of engineering plastics in the transport, electronics, and construction sectors. It investigates a wide range of solutions, including novel materials, digital technologies, reuse and repair strategies, recycling and upcycling methods, and integrated sustainability assessments. The Hub offers a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, where post-doctoral researchers and PhD students work closely with industry partners across sectors and institutions to develop practical solutions that support the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of engineering plastics.


About You
We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with expertise in polymer science and engineering, polymer chemistry, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in recycling and sustainability. The successful candidate will contribute to several collaborative work packages aimed at enhancing the sustainability of engineering plastics, with a particular focus on applying fundamental polymer science to industry-relevant challenges. As we are recruiting for multiple roles, we welcome candidates with expertise in polymer processing, polymer engineering, mechanical recycling, sustainable and reversible polymer chemistries, or sustainability assessment.


The post-holder will work closely with academic and industrial partners to develop actionable, high-impact solutions that promote circularity in engineering plastics. We are looking for a strong communicator who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment, with the ability to collaborate effectively while also taking initiative and driving independent research. Excellent planning and time management skills are essential, enabling you to set clear goals, manage timelines, and deliver results efficiently.


Your responsibilities will include taking a leading role in the development of innovative polymer processing and recycling methods, chemistries, and characterisation techniques to enhance polymer circularity and sustainability. Additionally, you will contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the research group, actively engage in knowledge exchange with colleagues and collaborators, and disseminate your findings through high-impact journal publications and conference presentations. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.


PhD Status If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).


About The Department
This role is based at WMG’s Materials Engineering Centre at the University of Warwick, home to the Centre for Polymers and Composites (CPC). This centre drives innovation in sustainable plastics, composites, hybrid materials, and scalable technologies, supporting projects from TRL 1 through to TRL 6. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the science and engineering of sustainable polymers.


Your passion, expertise, and innovation will play a crucial role in shaping a future of more circular materials and responsible manufacturing.


The Warwick Manufacturing
Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering. We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award. Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.


Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre. Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.


About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.


Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or int