Assistant Professor (Advanced Elastomers) (111596-0526)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Chaoying Wan (Professor) at Chaoying.Wan@warwick.ac.uk.

This role sits within the Functional Polymer Nanocomposites group. We are focused on delivering high‑quality, internationally competitive research in high performance elastomers, nanocomposites, reactive manufacturing and advanced characterisation technologies.

Working closely with the research teams, the postholder will undertake cutting‑edge polymer research, contributing to the development of sustainable elastomer manufacturing technologies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting research on advanced polymer and nanocomposites, focusing on polymer chemistry and reactive processing. Managing and contributing to research programmes, supporting the development of early‑career researchers. Publishing high‑quality research outputs.
• Contributing to the Department’s research strategy, including reporting on research progress and supporting REF‑related activities.
• Liaising with industry partners to understand industrial challenges and priorities and supporting the development of externally funded research through grants and contracts.

This is a research‑focused role within an internationally recognised university environment, offering the opportunity to contribute to high‑impact polymer science research while building a strong academic profile through publication, collaboration, and external engagement.

You will hold a PhD in polymer chemistry, or polymer science and engineering, with a strong grounding in polymer synthesis, processing and characterisation. You will bring expertise in elastomers, or nanocomposites, with knowledge of rubber and elastomer technologies being an advantage.

You will demonstrate a strong research profile alongside the ability to plan, deliver and communicate research effectively.

You will be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment, contributing positively to team‑based projects and departmental objectives. Experience of supervising students, or the potential to do so, is required, with postdoctoral or relevant industrial experience and the ability to contribute to externally funded research being desirable.

You will be committed to inclusive practice, health and safety, and active participation in departmental life, and motivated to contribute to Warwick’s mission of research excellence and impact.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering.

We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.

Find out more about the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing

Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 8th June 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed 
• Start Date: July 2026 (or earlier)

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.