Location
Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom

Hours
Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary
£38,448 - £48,337 per annum (Grade 7)

About the Role
The Research Centre for Carbon Solutions at Heriot-Watt University is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to contribute to the design and prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of novel rubber tyre recycling processes. This fixed-term post (24 months) offers an exciting opportunity for environmental life cycle researchers to work on predicting the future environmental footprint of early-stage tyre recycling technologies.

The role is part of the EPSRC-funded Tyre to Tyre project, which develops innovative technology to transform used rubber tyre crumbs directly into new solid tyre precursors through mechanochemical functionalisation. This interdisciplinary project spans chemistry, reactor design and testing, process design, life cycle environmental impact evaluation, process upscaling, and innovation, market, and policy analysis.

The postholder will develop and optimise process designs and evaluate their environmental performance using life cycle assessment principles. A key focus is on prospective LCA to assess environmental impacts of different process designs under future scenarios, including net-zero pathways aligned with UK government goals.

Heriot-Watt University offers a collaborative and ambitious research environment with strong connections to industry and policy communities, providing an excellent platform for early career researchers to advance their scientific careers.

Experience
- A first degree in chemical, process, environmental engineering or a related discipline
- A (near) completed PhD or substantial professional experience with a strong LCA component
- Experience evaluating early-stage or emerging decarbonisation and/or recycling technologies
- Proven leadership in research design and execution
- Experience working successfully in interdisciplinary teams
- Proficient in commercial LCA software such as SimaPro or Gabi
- A strong publication record appropriate to career level

About You
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills
- Ability to lead research design and delivery
- Excellent communication and project management skills
- Enthusiastic about interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation

Qualifications
- Essential: First degree in relevant engineering discipline and (near) completed PhD or equivalent experience
- Desirable: Experience with research-level LCA software (e.g., Brightway)
- Desirable: Experience with prospective LCA tools (e.g., Premise)
- Desirable: Programming or coding skills, or willingness to develop them
- Desirable: Experience with computer-aided process design software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Hysys)