Research Associate - Great British Chemicals (Newcastle, GB)

Salary: £35,608.00 - £37,694.00 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 01 February 2026

The Role

We are seeking a Research Associate in Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) to conduct research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, policy engagement and dissemination, for a two-year project funded as a part of the UKRI (United Kingdon Research & Innovation) ‘Great British Chemicals’ hub.

Great British Chemicals (GBC) is a national alliance of leading universities and industry partners working to decarbonise the UK chemicals sector and drive sustainable innovation. The consortium focuses on scaling low-emission technologies, advancing circular economy practices, and building resilient supply chains to strengthen UK manufacturing.

Your role will involve social science research focused on improving understanding of the socio-economic context for improving sustainability in the chemicals sector, creating an evidence base for the commercial viability of new technologies, and assessing the impacts of industrial change on economies and communities. The research to be conducted will involve analysis of legislation, standards and policies in the UK and internationally that apply directly to, and have implications for, net zero innovations in the UK chemicals sector. It will involve value chain mapping of the industry and evaluation of the barriers to, and opportunities for, transformations incorporating renewable feedstocks and industrial symbiosis.

We are seeking someone with experience of conducting in-depth interviews and analysing qualitative data, conducting surveys and analysing survey data, carrying out independent research, writing up research for reports and publication and in conducting social science research in/on industrial regions and/or on supply chains. Knowledge of the chemicals and chemicals-using sectors is desirable. Applicants should have a PhD in Business and Management, Economic Geography, Economic Sociology or related social science discipline.

Newcastle University Business School is located in Newcastle City Centre and at the gateway to the Newcastle Helix, a £350million partnership between Newcastle University, Newcastle City Council and Legal and General, where business meets Science.

Home to 4000 students, Newcastle University Business School is one of an elite group of Business Schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation from the three internationally recognised accreditation bodies: AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS. This places the School in the top business schools worldwide and is testament to our reputation for Teaching and Research.

Our vision is to be globally renowned for the Future of Work and developing students for a future they can shape.

For more information about Newcastle University Business School, please visit our website Newcastle University Business School | Newcastle University

This is a full-time role and available for 24 months, however we can be flexible, therefore part-time working/blended working can be considered. You will report to Professor Alex Hughes in Newcastle University Business School (Co-Lead in the UKRI Great British Chemicals hub) and informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Hughes at [email protected].

To apply, please upload an up-to-date CV and letter of application outlining specific examples around how you meet the requirements set out in ‘The Person’ section below.

The purpose of this role is to conduct research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, policy engagement and dissemination, for a two-year project funded as a part of the UKRI (United Kingdon Research & Innovation) ‘Great British Chemicals’ hub.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

Conducting desk-based reviews of academic and grey literature Attending fortnightly meetings with the Project Lead, monthly Function Stream and wider hub meetings and workshops Organization and record keeping for some of the meetings, where required Organization of, and preparation for, field research in the UK and overseas including ethical review Online and in-person interviews with key informants in the chemicals industry and policy-makers, regulators and third sector organizations The design and implementation of surveys and individual and group interviews with workforces and community groups in chemicals and chemical using companies and industrial regions Quantitative and qualitative data analysis Management of project data with guidance from the Project Lead Contribution to project engagement and dissemination including presentations to industry and academic audiences and outputs (project report, interim reports, policy briefs and academic papers), in collaboration with and with guidance from the Project Lead and wider team

The Person (Essential)

Experience of conducting in-depth interviews and analysing qualitative data Experience of conducting surveys and analysing survey data Experience of carrying out independent research Experience of writing up research for reports and publication Experience of conducting social science research in/on industrial regions and/or on supply chains Achievements in publishing research either as a lone scholar or joint author in the field of business and management, economic geography or sociology or other cognate discipline Experience of online communication and/or research methods

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Ability to prepare research work for reports and publication Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently using own initiative Skills in survey-based and qualitative data collection and analysis (including use of appropriate software and digital tools) Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with wide and diverse audiences, both orally and in writing, using a range of media Experience of, and ability in, conducting qualitative data analysis Experience of working in groups Knowledge of debates, literature, and concepts in circular economies, supply chains and sustainability, industrial regulation, labour and livelihoods Knowledge of the chemical and chemicals-using industries is desirable

Attributes and Behaviour

Enthusiasm for research into the chemical and chemicals-using sectors, industrial sustainability and supply chains Collaborative ethos Positive attitude to colleagues and research participants and partners Ability and willingness to work outside conventional working hours if required by the opportunities presented by the project, e.g. if fieldwork and travel require this Ability to plan and prioritise work to meet deadlines Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills Willingness to up-skill as necessary, including in online research methods and data management

Qualifications

PhD in Business and Management, Economic Geography, Economic Sociology or related social science discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28940