Research Fellow in Sustainable Polymer Synthesis

University of Birmingham - School of Chemistry

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to October 2030

Role Summary

We are looking for a Research Fellow to work on advancing the state-of-the-art in the understanding of the degradation of water-soluble polymers that are, or could be, used in formulated products. This project will focus on studying the physicochemical properties of a wide range of polymers as well as their degradation behaviour in different media to understand the key design factors that enable biodegradation in the environment. The project is multidisciplinary with postdoctoral researchers and PhD students looking at different aspects of the project across the schools of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Law and Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes and in collaboration with 7 other partners from across industry.

This post will be hosted in the group of Prof. Andrew Dove in the School of Chemistry. The research fellow will be responsible for both conducting original research, including polymer synthesis, degradation and characterisation, as well as contributing to the management of the project. You will have appropriate research experience to undertake this project, alongside a proven ability to conduct and publish research in polymer science.

The Research Fellow is expected to contribute to a wide range of research activities, under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Professor Andrew Dove, responding to academic needs and timelines as required.

Main Duties

The scope of the role will be wide-ranging and may include some of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Conduct own and original research to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge under the direction of the PI
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance the project and enhance its quality
• To disseminate research through journal and conference publications
• To evaluate and constructively improve the research of other members of the research group.
• To interact with both academic and industrial collaborators as appropriate, building internal and external contacts and networks.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• To assist in training others where relevant and to ensure the laboratories to meet health and safety requirements.

Person Specification

• Possess a first degree in area of specialism.
• Has obtained or is preparing to defend a higher degree (PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Excellent research profile in the area of in the area of polymer synthesis, polymer characterisation and polymer degradation.
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, chromatography, light scattering etc.
• Proven experience in thermomechanical characterisation of polymers by methodologies such as (but not limited to) DSC, TGA, etc.

Interviews are likely to be held between 16th and 27rd March 2026

For further information please contact Prof. Andrew P. Dove, a.dove@bham.ac.uk.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closing date: 01/03/2026 23:59