Overview

Do you have a passion for low carbon production of chemicals & plastics? Are you someone who thrives on analytical challenges and values precision? Are you enthusiastic about working at the intersection of industry and academia?  We are looking for one enthusiastic researcher with strong motivation and a track record of successful collaboration in sustainable/chemical engineering to join our team as a Research Associate in Regional Plastics and Chemical Systems Decarbonisation at the University of Sheffield. 

You will be an integral part of our vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary team working on a collaborative project jointly with the University of Bath and our industrial partner, aiming to improve the sustainability of chemical and polymer production by system-level modelling and analysis of regional production routes and future scenarios. Your primary focus will be on conducting chemical engineering models for resource efficiency and decarbonisation for plastics and chemical systems. Our ambition is to identify plausible paths for the petrochemicals industry through net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions to a future that mitigates climate change by reversing our carbon trajectory.  Your work will involve crafting a comprehensive repository of greenhouse gas emission data and mitigation strategies that address the pressing environmental challenges faced by the chemical industry in different regions.  This is a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research actively and work alongside a world-class interdisciplinary team.

Please note: By applying, you are agreeing that we can share your information with our project partners, The University of Bath.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop a model of refinery/petrochemical production processes relevant to specific regions

• Develop dynamic stock and flow tools to anticipate future demand for chemicals/plastics and the availability of waste products.

• Model greenhouse gas emissions of chemicals and plastics and develop regional scenarios for decarbonisation.

• Liaise and network with the interdisciplinary research team and academic/industrial partners.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Chemical or Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Chemistry assessed by Application. (assessed at application)

• Knowledge and experience in: life cycle environmental assessment/life cycle thinking assessed at Application/interview.(assessed at application and interview)

• Knowledge and experience in process modelling and resource analysis; use of Python, MATLAB or other appropriate programming languages (assessed at application/interview.)

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and present complex information to diverse stakeholders (assessed at application/interview.)

• Evidence of potential to produce high-quality research outputs and experience of developing own models and tools (assessed at application/interview.)

• Experience in managing own workload, balancing multiple projects, sticking to deadlines and the ability to constantly update knowledge (assessed at application/interview.)

• Ability to develop creative approaches to scientific problem solving, often based on the latest developments in the field as described in the scientific literature (assessed at application/interview.)

• Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area (assessed at application/interview.)

Desirable criteria

• Provide specialist guidance and support and act as mentor/coach, which may involve training and/or identifying development needs for others, to support their occupational development (assessed at application/interview.)

Further Information

Grade: Grade 7

Salary range: £38,249 to £46,735 per annum, with potential to progress to £51,039

Duration: Fixed term until 6th November 2027

Line manager: Dr Fanran Meng

Direct reports: None

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Fanran Meng on f.meng@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on week commencing 16th June 2025. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 2nd June 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Carla Teale on c.teale@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.