Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed term) (ENG reference: ENG108525

The post is associated with a Johnson Matthey initiative to develop novel polymers for the recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs). The aim is to advance synthesis methods for solid-phase metal recovery polymers at a lab scale, employing strategies such as emulsion polymerisation, high-throughput screening, microfluidic flow chemistry techniques, and purification methodologies. These methodologies are unique to the University of Nottingham's Engineering facilities and are not currently practised by Johnson Matthey.

The project seeks to improve the polymers' stability under extreme conditions, extending their lifespan in Johnson Matthey’s PGM recycling process.  This will enable for the development of a new range of products that can be used 

To achieve this the candidate will synthesising and characterising functional polymers that can self-assemble. The candidate will develop and characterise different polymers with different surface chemistry that shows the best ligand conditions to increase the lifetime of the solid phase. This includes exploring alternative crosslinkers, non-epoxide monomers, and novel high-throughput approaches to identify functionalities that bind PGMs and exhibit base tolerance. The candidate will also explore alternative production routes for particle control and intensification. The candidate will be expected to take ownership of data and present regular updates on progress.

This project will help develop new manufacturing and processing tools for the processing of polymers with the aim to increase the commercial interest in current University IP. The appointed candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team and will be expected to liaise efficiently between collaborative scientists and external companies.

Candidates must hold or expect to shortly obtain a PhD, or equivalent in in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar Science / Engineering degree and have a background in polymer chemistry or a closely related discipline. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical experience of synthesis techniques relevant to polymer chemistry, polymer degradation knowledge, use of the relevant characterisation techniques used in the definition of polymerised molecular structures and experience in relating how this data will influence polymer properties and degradation. 

This full-time post (36.25 hours) will be offered as a fixed term 7-month contract from 1st of May 2025 to 31st of December 2025. Job share arrangements may be considered. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Derek Irvine, email: Derek.Irvine@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 11 Apr 2025 Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)