Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Full Time, Fixed Term for 24 months
Full Job Title: Research [Assistant or Associate] in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes
This role is being recruited to either Grade 5 or 6 depending on the pool of applicants we receive and is not suitable for remote working (office / laboratory based only). It is essential that the post holder has the ability and willingness to travel to national and international partners and undertake occasional short visits to project partners.
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
About the University
Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.
At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.
Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
We are looking for a motivated and talented Researcher with a background in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, ideally with experience in recycling processes and lifecycle analysis. You will bring experimental, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary academic and industry teams.
You will be based at Loughborough University within the Wolfson School, working in the Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies (SMART), and collaborating closely with the Sports Technology Institute and Department of Materials. The role sits within a highly interdisciplinary, industry-facing environment with strong links to national partners and real-world applications.
This is a fixed-term post for 24 months, contributing to a major EPSRC and Defra-funded project addressing synthetic sports turf recycling. Candidates should have a Bachelors or Masters degree (Grade 5) or a PhD or near completion (Grade 6) in a relevant discipline, experience in experimental research and mechanical process development, and a willingness to engage with industry partners, travel, and contribute to project delivery and dissemination.
Why Should You Apply?
With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Shahin Rahimifard ([email protected])
For more information refer to the applicable Job Description and Person Specification below:
Research Assistant in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes
Research Associate in Mechanical Design of Polymer Recycling Processes
Application Process
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Professor Shahin Rahimifard. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Closing Date: 14 September 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 21 September 2026
Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
