Edinburgh Napier University 
Edinburgh, United Kingdom Offer Summary
Edinburgh Napier University is recruiting a Research Fellow for Polymer Engineering to support the Innovate UK-funded 'SproutSmarter' project. This role focuses on advancing biodegradable polymer research and nanomaterial applications for sustainable agriculture, specifically developing controlled-release platforms using electrospun fibres. The successful candidate will optimize electrospinning and electrospraying protocols while utilizing analytical techniques such as DSC, FTIR, SEM, and Rheometry to characterize materials. Applicants must hold a PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Chemical Engineering, with proven expertise in biodegradable polymers and hands-on experience in method development and scale-up. The position offers a salary of £38,448 per annum for 35 hours weekly, on a fixed-term contract until January 2028. Benefits include 46 days of annual leave and significant pension contributions. Visa sponsorship may be available for international workers.
Generated from stored offer content. Always confirm details in the official posting.
Project Description
Edinburgh Napier University is proud to be the #1 modern university in Scotland (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025) and the leading university in Edinburgh for student satisfaction for five years in a row (National Student Survey 2020–2024). We are also recognised as the top Scottish modern university for research power and impact (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
Ranked the #1 UK Modern University for Engineering and Computer Science (GUG 2025 & 2026), Edinburgh Napier University leads innovation in a rapidly changing world through future-ready education across disciplines like AI, renewable energy, computer/data science, engineering, building and surveying.
Currently, our School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment are undertaking an Innovate UK funded research project exploring a novel controlled-release platform for agrochemicals using electrospun fibres.
As such, we are recruiting a Research Fellow to assist with advancing biodegradable polymer research and nanomaterial applications, contributing to cutting-edge innovations in sustainable agriculture.
The Role:
As Research Fellow on the “SproutSmarter” project, you will have the opportunity to use your strong expertise in polymers (particularly biodegradable polymers) and their processing, to conduct research on biodegradable polymer formulations for controlled release applications, contributing to the advancement of electrospinning techniques in agriculture.
Your proven hands-on experience with electrospinning, including method development, optimization, and scale-up, will put you in an excellent position to develop and optimize protocols for electrospinning processes (including coaxial electrospinning) and electrospraying, ensuring stable and tuneable nutrient release profiles.
As someone with strong working knowledge of analytical and characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, Tensile Testing, SEM, and Rheometry, you will also be well placed to use these techniques to characterise polymers, electrospun fibres , and final product performance, in turn analysing and interpreting experimental data, maintaining accurate documentation and contributing to publications, reports, and presentations.
This role will also offer you valuable experience working with our industrial collaborator Impact Solutions, who have a long consistent thread of innovation and new technology development within the areas of waste valorisation, recycling and sustainability. So, if you have the right skills and would like to contribute to this meaningful project, then we would love to hear from you.
What we will need from you:
- A PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable expertise in polymers, particularly biodegradable polymers, and their processing.
- Proven hands-on experience with electrospinning, including method development, optimization, and scale-up.
- Strong working knowledge of analytical and characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, Tensile Testing, SEM, and Rheometry.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety Procedures and COSHH procedures pertaining to post.
When applying, please provide a supporting statement to outline your fit for this role.
Benefits we offer:
Paid annual leave entitlement of 46 days, pension contribution of 17.6 – 26% (depending on circumstances) and a number of other staff benefits. For more information about our wide range of benefits, click here.
Additional information:
Salary: £38,448 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed-Term – 12 months or 31 January 2028 (whichever is sooner).
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on several factors specific to the successful applicant. Check salary criteria for the visa on Skilled worker visa.
Edinburgh Napier is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels proud, confident, challenged and supported. Please see here for more information.
Academic Contact
Contact details were not provided by the official source.
