Research Fellow x2 (111192-1225)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Hannes Houck, Royal Society University Research Fellow at 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).

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 of the next generation of materials, while introducing intrinsically recyclable bonding mechanisms.

Informative Reading

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

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.

Applications are invited to join our investigations on the ERC-StG DeCoDER project for a min. 12-month post-doctoral position, with a 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 main focus on light-based 3D printing applications. The role typically includes organic synthesis, optimising photo-reactivity, formulation of new inks, and material characterisation and evaluation. More project details are available upon request.

About You

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated researcher with creative ideas and a passion for science, with expertise in organic photochemistry in a polymer context and be familiar with appropriate photochemistry and light-based 3D printing techniques. The ideal candidate has a strong track-record in small molecule organic photochemistry, molecular characterisation methods (e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry, gas-chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)), and material characterisation of dynamic polymer networks. Experience in continuous photo-flow synthesis, photo-rheology, and additive manufacturing is highly desirable. The project involves several challenging research aspects and provides an opportunity to use and share your expertise 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. You should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or other science). If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.

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 community of students, academics, researchers, and support staff. Our fundamental research pushes boundaries in all major fields of Chemistry. Through collaborations with the wider science community and industry, our applied work aims to tackle huge global issues from antimicrobial resistance, to solar energy harvesting, and sustainable materials. We provide an inclusive, vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for chemistry.

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. Both the Department of Chemistry and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN silver awards, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment, recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th 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 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: 1st February 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

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 (111192).pdf – 191KB Opens in a new window

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