Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom

Company

hirify.global is an academic institution supporting research, teaching, and collaboration with industry partners on sustainable materials.

What you will do

• Develop sustainable polyurethane and alternative feedstock foams for the transport industry.
• Increase recycled content and develop carbon-negative and carbon-neutral additives and polymers.
• Improve the recyclability, sustainability, safety, and scalability of automotive polymer materials.
• Lead independent research, publications, conference presentations, technical communications, and external funding activity.
• Translate research outcomes into industry pilots and prototypes with Vita Group, Polestar, and collaborators.
• Contribute to teaching and develop academic supervision skills.

Requirements

• PhD in Polymer Science, Sustainability, Circular Economy, or a relevant scientific discipline.
• Established international research record in sustainable polymer science.
• Experience in areas such as life cycle assessment, circular economy, carbon-negative materials, polymer recycling, additives, or polymer characterisation.
• Postdoctoral-level experience designing and delivering research projects.
• Ability to lead small research teams and communicate effectively with industry, university staff, and students.

Nice to have

• Experience with life cycle assessment or technoeconomic analysis of polymers and plastics.
• Experience translating innovation into industry.
• Experience with sustainable polyurethane foams.
• Experience developing circular pathways for automotive polymers or similar multi-materials.

Culture & Benefits

• Employer contribution pension.
• 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• Ride-to-work and electric vehicle car schemes.
• Inclusive academic environment supporting enquiry, debate, diversity, and new ideas.
• Flexible and hybrid working information is available through the university.

Hiring process

• Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
• Role enquiries, shortlisting, and interview questions can be directed to the named contact.