Research Fellow x2 (111192-0526)

About The Role

Informal Queries

For informal queries, please contact Hannes Houck, Royal Society University Research Fellow, Hannes.Houck@warwick.ac.uk.

The Photochemistry for Materials lab is looking for postdoctoral researchers to join our research team at the University of Warwick (UK) under the supervision of Dr Hannes Houck. The positions are part of the ‘DeCoDER’ programme that is funded by the European Research Council (ERC-StG, 101222417 – press release).

Research Project

As global dependence on synthetic materials is intensifying, waste-accumulation of end-of-life products has become a major concern. Specifically fast-growing 3D photo-printing technologies to make bespoke products such as dental aligners, shoes and car parts present a major challenge as a liquid ink is transformed into a permanently hardened crosslinked photo-polymer that can no longer be recycled. Current photochemical processes that underpin light-based 3D printing processes, however, are single-use and fail to address the urgently needed closed loop recycling of the resulting 3D printed materials. The overall ambition of the ERC DeCoDER project is to make fundamental step-changes in 3D printing ink technology so that 3D printed waste can be effectively and completely re-used as functional photo-ink to allow for 3D-print-to-re-printing. You will join our team efforts to develop new 3D printing inks for light-based printing and evaluate structure-property relationships of introducing intrinsically recyclable bonding mechanisms in the 3D printed materials.

Informative Reading

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 28, 19177–19182. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c04193

Adv. Funct. Mater. 2024, 2414713. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202414713

Research Team

Our research in the Photochemistry for Materials team is situated at the interface of organic synthesis, photochemistry and polymer science with the overarching ambition to meticulously design novel chemical building blocks and finetune their reactivity to design materials with advanced functionality and improved sustainability. Specifically, we develop small molecule photo(cyclo)addition reactions that allow for the efficient formation of covalently bound reaction products under (visible) light irradiation. Importantly, the thus formed adducts display subsequent reactivity that can be activated on-demand to introduce smart and responsive behaviour, including (bio)degradation and closed-loop recyclability. For example, we have (i) developed a poly(ethylene glycol) photo-modification strategy to access 3D printed materials and mRNA lipid nanoparticles that can degrade in water, (ii) introduced a new type of photo-responsive materials (e.g. microparticles) that can be programmed to de-crosslink through a spontaneous cycloreversion at room temperature, and (iii) invented a novel thermoset material based on the [2+2] photodimerisation of monothiomaleimide that can be intrinsically recycled.

Research Positions

Applications are invited to join our investigations on the ERC-StG DeCoDER project for a min. 12-month post-doctoral position, with the possibility for extension upon positive evaluation. In this role, you will be investigating new organic photochemical reactions and their introduction into crosslinked polymer materials with a focus on light-based 3D printing applications. We are looking for two researchers with specific expertise/interest in either:

• Developing new photo-chemistry platforms for light-based 3D printing inks (organic photochemistry + 3D printing).
• Structure-property relationships of 3D printed materials containing dynamic covalent bonds (material characterisation).

More project details are available upon request.

About You

We are looking to recruit highly motivated researchers with creative ideas and a passion for science, with expertise in organic photochemistry in a polymer context, light-based 3D printing techniques, material characterisation of dynamic polymer networks and/or recycling. The project involves several challenging research aspects and provides an opportunity to use and share your expertise and experience across team members, yet also allows for you to train and develop new skills in photochemistry and polymer science. You should be able to work both independently and with other team members and be able to inspire and lead junior researchers (PhD, MChem, MSc) working alongside your project. You are expected to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proven experience of presenting your work to both national and international audiences. You will have the opportunity to engage with the wider research community and departmental activities, incl. the Warwick Polymer Group and during outreach events or teaching activities. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow , at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

The Department of Chemistry at Warwick is a thriving and inclusive community of students, academics, researchers, and professional services staff. Our fundamental research pushes boundaries across all major fields of chemistry, while our applied work - delivered through close partnership with the wider scientific community and industry - addresses major global challenges, breakthroughs in health, solar energy harvesting, and sustainable materials. We are proudly outward-facing, and our community is recognised as one of the strongest in the UK. Our extensive national and international relationships create an outstanding environment for collaboration, innovation, and career development. From polymers and catalysts to computation, advanced instrumentation and cutting-edge materials, our research sits at the forefront of the discipline. We are highly interdisciplinary, having long-standing partnerships with the School of Life Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Physics, Manufacturing, Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working and learning environment in which diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are recognised, respected, and valued. Our Athena Swan Silver Award reflects our commitment to supporting the career progression of all staff. Explore our webpages to learn more about the Department of Chemistry’s research and teaching, industry-leading facilities, and the impact of our work.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. * Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent .** Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/. World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 4 June 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Your CV (max. 3 pages) should set out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure your CV includes your most up to date qualifications and a summary of your education to date. Your cover letter (max. 1 page) should state your motivation, qualifications and expectations related to your preferred position of interest, with particular reference to the essential and desirable criteria that you may fulfil. Two academic references should also be included in either your CV or cover letter. Your references may be contacted during the application process.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: 01 July 2026 (flexible)

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave). Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Research Fellow x2 (111192).pdf – 91KB Opens in a new window

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