Research Fellow (Postdoc)

Location  University of Warwick Campus, Coventry 

Department  Chemistry

Position Type  Fixed Term

Duration  Fixed-term contract until 28th February 2027

Salary  £35,608 to £46,049 per annum

About the Role  

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Julie Macpherson at [email protected]

Assistant Professor Joshua Tully at [email protected] 

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project supporting the design, testing and optimisation of new technologies for the destruction of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from environmental water sources. PFAS have been linked to several human health conditions and are present in almost all water sources.

However, scalable technologies capable of destroying these compounds, due to the strength of the C-F bond are currently very limited. This technology utilises boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes to remove these compounds by electrochemical advanced oxidation.

The performance of the systems will be monitored using various analytical approaches for tracking PFAS breakdown, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

The Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group (WEIG) is an internationally recognised electrochemistry research group based at the University of Warwick. WEIG is comprised of 30+ members from around the world.

The Macpherson group within WEIG focuses on electrochemical sensing, electrochemical synthesis/treatment, and the utilisation of lab grown BDD as an electrode material and has close links to industry.

Alongside the core research the successful candidate would also work collaboratively with other members of the research group working in similar areas and be provided with the space and resources to develop their own personal and career development.

The contract is for a fixed term of 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so. 

About You  

You will have a background in analytical chemistry such as column chromatography for analyte separations, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), MS, electrochemistry, the study of PFAS or similar fields.

You enjoy solving both scientific and technical problems to develop experimental systems and working in a team environment where your skills and expertise can contribute to world-class research output. You should be comfortable contributing towards the training of PhD and master’s students.

For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.

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 (£34,610).

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 (£35,608).

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 University  

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th 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: Monday 9th February 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:

• A CV setting 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 should explain:

• A supporting statement explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence and examples of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to demonstrating how you meet the Person Specification detailing the essential criteria and any desirable criteria that you may fulfil.
• 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: 28th 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  

Right to Work in the UK   

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.