The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.
We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage.
Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website.
Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Full Time, Fixed Term for 33 months
This role is not suitable for remote working and is 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 Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in materials science, polymer science or a related discipline, ideally with experience in polymer processing and materials characterisation. You will bring strong experimental and analytical skills, a track record of research outputs, and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary academic and industry teams.
You will be based within the Polymer Science group in the Department of Materials at Loughborough University, working closely with the SMART Centre and Sports Technology Institute. The role sits within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with access to advanced characterisation facilities and strong links to industry and policy partners.
This is a fixed-term post for 33 months, contributing to a major EPSRC and Defra-funded project on recycling synthetic sports turf. Candidates should have (or be near completion of) a relevant PhD, experience in polymer materials characterisation and processing, and a willingness to engage with industry partners, travel, and contribute to research 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.
If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Helen Willcock (h.willcock2@lboro.ac.uk)
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
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 Dr Helen Willcock. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Closing Date: 5 July 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 20 July 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.