Research Fellow in Life Cycle Assessment of Advanced Plastic Polymers Recycling

UCL - Department of Chemical Engineering

Location:London, HybridSalary:£45,103 to £47,451Hours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/ContractPlaced On:27th October 2025Closes:24th November 2025Job Ref:B04-06703

About us

UCL Department of Chemical Engineering is one of the top research and teaching departments in the UK and has world-class standing. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and has an extensive research portfolio across a wealth of areas, from molecular scale to complex systems.

About the role

The main role of the postholder is to develop rigorous LCA models for innovative, bioengineering-enabled pathways for plastic polymer deconstruction, recycling, and upcycling into high-value chemicals and products decoupled from fossil resources.

Salary is £45,103 - £47,451 per annum inclusive of London allowance.

This is a fixed-term role for 2 years in the first instance.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

About you

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Bio/Chemical Engineering or equivalent subjects. They will have knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment approaches and techniques, as well as knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment software applications. The successful applicant will have experience of gathering data and analysis, working in a research environment and experience of multi-disciplinary working.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Customer advert reference: B04-06703