Research Fellow (110610-1025)

For informal enquiries, please contact Soroush Abolfathi (Associate Professor) at Soroush.Abolfathi@warwick.ac.uk

This is a full time, fixed-term contract ending no later than October 2026. Contract length will depend on agreed salary due to restricted budget.

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Engineering to contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable low carbon plastic waste management and recycling solutions.

In this project the post holder will develop novel algorithms and methods for analysis of plastic data collected from the GIVO Centers, including data collected on waste arising, plastic collection, sorting, mechanical recycling, and off-takers. The principal focus will be to develop digital tools that can robustly and automatically extract and analyse information/datasets about post-consumer municipal plastic waste management.

The post holder will study GHG emissions and perform an LCA for GIVO plastic waste management and recycling solutions with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of GIVO solution and reducing the footprint of plastic waste management.

The post holder will also work collaboratively with the project partners based in the UK and Nigeria to apply and test these new tools to make important advances in producing detailed datasets on plastic waste journey from collection to recycling and reuse, enhancing and scaling of the GIVO solution. In the longer term we hope this work will support and inform efforts to develop robust solutions, strategies, and policies to facilitate transitioning towards a Circular Plastic Economy (CPE) in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

This post is based at the School of Engineering, University of Warwick campus, but the successful candidate will be required to make regular trips to Nigeria, sometimes for extended periods to participate in field work, workshops, etc.; so, readiness to embark on long haul travel is essential.

Flexible Working

• We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and has a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Data Science, Sustainable Development, Life Cycle Assessment), with a strong background in data analysis and modelling.

You will demonstrate a strong track record in research, with evidence of quality outputs in a relevant field, alongside a developing profile with the potential to publish and produce high-calibre research contributions.  You will undertake independent and collaborative research and will be expected to write up your research for publication.

You will be expected to demonstrate proven quantitative and qualitative research skills, specifically in the areas of Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment.

Experience with LCA software such as OpenLCA and GaBi, supported by a publication record in LCA, plastic recycling technologies, and circular plastic economy, is desirable.

Knowledge of coding and machine learning techniques for modelling and the analysis of large datasets will be considered an advantage.

Exceptional communication skills are essential, with the ability to articulate ideas effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

You will be expected to deal with any management/ administration problems that may arise from the project and produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met.

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

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.

The School of Engineering is a great place to work: we offer competitive salaries on a grading structure that provides annual incremental progression, plus a generous annual leave entitlement (30 days per annum for this role, plus four customary shut down days over Christmas, and eight statutory bank holidays).  As well as competitive salaries we offer attractive pension schemes with excellent employer contributions, and various staff recognition awards. We are also committed to helping you to fulfil your potential through a range of career development opportunities.

The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.*

Find out more about us on our website.https://warwick.ac.uk/about/

* QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 5th November 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: To be confirmed

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

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.