"Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Materials"

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Research Fellow in Sustainable Materials to lead and expand a high-impact research programme within SRI.

This strategic appointment will strengthen our rapidly growing research portfolio and reinforce the development of the newly launched London Sustainable Materials Lab (LSML), a cross-disciplinary hub connecting researchers, practitioners, and industry partners to drive innovation in sustainable materials science.

We welcome applicants from a wide range of sustainable materials specialisms, particularly those working in:

• Bio-based materials and processes
• Polymers, textiles, and fibre innovation
• Circular economy and lifecycle assessment
• Novel materials from renewable, recycled, or waste resources
• Materials engineering for low-carbon societies
• Any emerging field aligned with sustainable materials research

As Senior Research Fellow, you will:

• Lead and deliver ambitious research programmes of international standing
• Secure external funding from UKRI, EU programmes, industry, and charitable bodies
• Supervise and mentor research staff and PhD students (including a fully funded studentship attached to this role)
• Publish high-impact research outputs and present at leading conferences
• Strengthen SRI’s academic–industry partnerships through LSML
• Contribute to consultancy, knowledge exchange, and strategic initiatives across UEL
• Represent SRI at national and international research forums
• Play an essential role in meeting UEL’s REF, KEF, and research growth objectives

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of sustainable materials research within a supportive, ambitious, and well-resourced institute.

About You

You are an emerging or established research leader with the vision, expertise, and drive to advance sustainable materials science.

You will bring:

• A PhD in a relevant field and a strong track record of high-quality publications
• Demonstrable success in research leadership, including developing and delivering funded projects
• Experience supervising research staff and/or doctoral students
• A growing national or international research reputation
• Evidence of innovation, creativity, and the ability to build cross-disciplinary collaborations
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage confidently with academic, industry, and policy stakeholders
• Commitment to equality, diversity, sustainability, and responsible research practices

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape research that addresses global environmental challenges; and to lead within a fast-growing research institute, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-all-academic-positions

Further Details

Job Description & Person Specification

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.