Research Assistant

Are you an ambitious materials scientist or chemical engineer looking to bridge the gap between healthcare sustainability and clean energy innovation? Join us to lead the charge in transforming medical waste into second‑life nanomaterials for a greener NHS. As a Research Assistant (RA), you will be the primary experimental lead for the "Circularity and sustainability in volatile anaesthetics" project. Reporting directly to the academic lead, you will be responsible for demonstrating scalable regeneration and upcycling strategies for carbon adsorbents used in medical carbon capture systems.

You will manage the laboratory‑scale validation of thermal and chemical processes and coordinate with industrial partners, including Sage Tech Medical and the Manufacturing Technology Centre. This is a part‑time position working 29.6 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis with a starting date of 1 May 2026 until 30 September 2027 due to funding.

• Adsorbent regeneration:
  Develop and optimise thermal, chemical, and hybrid reactivation protocols to restore the capacity of exhausted carbon materials from medical capture systems.
• Bio‑graphite synthesis:
  Spearhead the conversion of spent adsorbents into sustainable "bio‑graphite" and benchmark its electrochemical performance for energy storage technologies.
• Second‑life photocatalysis and remediation:
  Lead the preliminary testing and evaluation of spent carbons as "second‑life" adsorbents and photocatalysts to degrade persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, such as propofol and ibuprofen, in hospital effluents.
• Advanced material characterisation:
  Execute comprehensive characterisation throughout the material lifecycle, using N2 sorption, SEM/TEM, Raman, XRD, and TGA.
• Technical expertise: A strong background in functional nanomaterials design, carbon valorisation and/or synthesis, or circular process engineering.
• Analytical proficiency:
  Experience in advanced material characterisation techniques, specifically gas sorption, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X‑ray diffraction (XRD).
• Project leadership:
  Proven ability to manage complex experimental workplans and meet deliverables in a collaborative research environment.
• Sustainable mindset: A commitment to circular economy principles and the translation of lab‑scale research into real‑world environmental solutions.

You will join a high‑impact, interdisciplinary team collaborating across the University of Plymouth (UoP), Sage Tech Medical, and the National Health Service (NHS). This project sits at the forefront of the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing - Grand Challenge. You will have access to world‑class facilities, including UoP's specialised reactors and industry partner facilities, providing a unique platform for high‑level academic and industrial networking.

• Generous annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata if part‑time) plus bank holidays & closure days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery
• Pro rata if part‑time/fixed term contract

The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you will be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths.

Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter.