Student Casual – Catalyst Fund Research Assistant; Chemistry – BISCA – Grade 6

Job Description

Post title: BISCA Catalyst Fund Research Assistant

College/Division:
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences

School/Department:
Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA)

Full time/Part time:
Part time

Duration of the Post: 30/03/2026 – 08/05/2026

Grade: 6

Hourly rate: £16.92

Number of positions available: 1

Closing Date: 20/03/2026

Please note that this vacancy may be taken down early depending on the number of applications received. We advise you to submit your application promptly.

Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA) takes a distinct approach to leverage Birmingham’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary research expertise; and apply/translate ideas, skills and influence into wider engagement and action on climate change and broader sustainability matters. BISCA aims to move beyond evidence generation and technological solutions to consider, for example, dynamic policies and decision‑making under uncertainty; politics and behaviours around policies.

Project ARC:
Advanced Recovery of Composites is a BISCA Catalyst Fund 2025/26 project developing and evaluating a novel recycling process for glass‑fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) waste from wind‑turbine blades. The project integrates chemical engineering experimentation with economic modelling and energy policy analysis to assess the techno‑economic and policy feasibility of a pilot‑scale recycling system.

The Research Assistant will support lab‑scale recycling within Project ARC, contributing to the development of a closed‑loop process for the recovery of fibres, polymeric compounds, solvents, and catalysts from waste wind turbine material. The role will involve data collection via lab‑scale experimentation, data analysis, kinetic modelling, and communication of findings through relevant presentations and report writing. This is an interdisciplinary project, and as such, the successful post‑holder will also share findings with the Birmingham Business School to inform cost modelling and scenario analysis to evaluate the financial viability and policy requirements for pilot‑scale deployment of GFRP recycling.

• Conduct literature searches of current recycling routes, feedstock characterisation techniques, and product analysis methods.
• Perform experimental work safely in a research laboratory, complying with all relevant risk mitigation procedures.
• Collect, analyse, and report data from experiments using suitable spreadsheets.
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations and final reports to communicate outcomes.
• Carry out administrative and organisational tasks directly related to the research activities.

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Analyse research data as directed.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods.
• Guide as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree (or working towards a postgraduate degree) in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related discipline.
• Experience with data analysis and/or modelling (e.g., Excel or similar).
• Ability to conduct literature and policy review and synthesise information clearly.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to organise and manage research data.
• Understanding of sustainability or circular‑economy concepts.

Desirable:

• Experience with designing and carrying out experiments.
• Knowledge of waste management, recycling systems, or environmental policy.
• Interest in sustainable engineering, finance or circular‑economy business models.

Working pattern is…