Company: University of Bath
Location: Bath
Posted: May 20th, 2026
Vinyl plastics such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, and related materials underpin a wide range of high-value applications, yet their robust carbon–carbon backbones make them exceptionally difficult to recycle at the end of life. Current recycling routes are dominated by mechanical reprocessing or by high-temperature thermochemical methods that operate with poor selectivity and high energy demand. These limitations present a major barrier to achieving circularity for vinyl polymers and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the plastics sector.
In this project, you will play a central role in the chemistry-led work package investigating the fundamental mechanisms governing photo-depolymerisation of materials such as PMMA (Perspex). You will collaborate with colleagues in the Department of Chemical Engineering (Cavitation initiated depolymerisation) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (systems analysis) at the University of Bath.
This mechanistic insight will directly inform process optimisation, reactor design, and extension of the methodology to additional vinyl polymers and mixed plastic systems. As part of a wider team, you will also interact with Chemical Engineers and Systems Analysis experts to assess potential technologies as scalable recycling concepts, contributing to a step-change in sustainable polymer chemistry aligned with Net Zero and circular-economy goals.
Primarily, you will work under the supervision of Dr Simon Freakley, Dr Jon Husband and Prof. Matthew Davidson and be trained in polymer science, kinetic and mechanistic studies of reaction and photo–catalysis/chemistry - building on preliminary results published in Photo-initiated solvent-mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents. Nat Commun 17, 1235 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67997-7
This role is offered on a full time fixed term basis (36.5 hours per week for 36 months).
For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Simon Freakley at sf756@bath.ac.uk.
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Closing Date: 05 Jun 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049