Research Associate - British Chemicals

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Requisition

Location:

Newcastle, GB

Contract Type:
Fixed Term

Working Pattern:
Full Time

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 Kingdom 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 feed stocks 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.

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

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 Kingdom 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…