Research Fellow: Sustainable Textiles and Composites

We have a fantastic opportunity for a confident and ambitious Research Fellow to join UWE Bristol’s Centre For Print Research (CFPR).

We have a core group of 12 scholars from a range of disciplines undertaking research across traditional and digital technologies to reflect, innovate and find creative solutions for the future of print.  We offer a unique focus in research through its mission to further understand and influence society in a context of technological change.

You’ll have the opportunity to work at the interface between research and practice in a role aiming to use high quality research into sustainable textiles and composites working on our theme of new materials .

As a collective of disciplines, our approach is to be future-focused, building on design. Whether it is to persuade, promote, or inform, we aim to inspire by delivering a radical, innovative research and educational experience that responds to societal concerns and changes people’s lives. We are looking for someone who can fully contribute to our creative community, including contributions to enterprise and audience engagement. There will be opportunities to contribute to teaching, and through the supervision of PhD students.

You will be enthusiastic about applying innovative research methods to tackle the major challenges faced by the textile sector, including the need to radically reduce waste, promote active lifestyles, and ensure that new technologies meet citizens’ needs and contribute to more sustainable environments.

Ideally, you’ll have some experience of working in a research role and be capable of independent working but able to engage with project teams within the university and beyond.

You will also bring expertise in some specific research methods, but be open to develop those skills further, drawing on support within UWE Bristol.

Our research portfolio includes projects which require excellent standards of written communication to both professional and academic audiences so the ability to write effectively for a range of readers is important.

Where is this role based?

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed, while we continue to develop incredible new facilities  to enhance our offer even further.

The campus has excellent transport links ; we are within walking distance of two train stations , our bus terminus connects us to the local bus and metrobus network and we also have a range of cycling and changing facilities.

Bristol is a city that’s famous for its rebellious streak, independent thinking, unique style and edgy creativity. Home to over 460,000 people hailing from 187 different countries – you can find over 91 different languages spoken here, and 45 religions practised. Topping polls on a regular basis, Bristol isn’t just a great place to live, but a great place to work.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 32,000 students, 250,000 alumni and 4,000 staff from across the globe. We are both globally connected and regionally embedded, with a strong network of employer and partner connections.

We have a lot to be proud of at UWE, our achievements  include scoring above sector average for student satisfaction, we are ranked 24th in The Guardian Best UK Universities 2023 and 39th in the latest Times Higher Education ‘Table of Tables ‘.

We are an ambitious and values led  university. We’re focused on solving future global challenges through outstanding learning, world-leading research and a culture of enterprise and we are looking for people who share our core values to help us achieve those aims. 

With inclusivity as a core value, UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community . We support and celebrate the diversity of our staff and students as a key driver for innovation and success, promoting pathways and achievements to inspire and generate confidence and ambition.

In addition to progressive pay rates, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including:

• a generous holiday allowance of 35 days
• up to 12.5 bank holiday/closure days per year
• hybrid working
• career average pension schemes available for all staff groups
• access to employee assistance programme
• 1st month free to our Centre for Sport facilities for all new starters
• family friendly policies and wellbeing initiatives
• onsite nursery at our Frenchay Campus
• option to participate in the cycle to work scheme
• access to a wide variety of in-house training courses and development programmes

Add your individuality to ours

Proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always on the lookout for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing staff community of over 4,000 individuals and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive. Add your individuality to ours to help set us apart.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Multiple Heritage or Other Minority Ethnic candidates as we are currently under-represented in these areas within UWE Bristol however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.

Further information:

If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Nazmul Karim on 0117 328 1173 or email: [email protected]

This is a fixed-term post until 31 March 2024, and is full working on a 100% contract.  Ideally you will be able to start in the role as soon as possible.

This post is not available on a job share basis.

As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.

UWE Bristol is a campus-based University and it is important for our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based remote working for some of the contracted hours, where role duties permit.

We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible to be sponsored under the criteria.

Please also refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist  which provides details of which documents are acceptable to prove your right to work in the UK. Should you be shortlisted you will be asked to produce your right to work documents at your interview.

Please note that UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.

This role may require an ATAS certificate.  We recommend that you check whether you would require an ATAS certificate through this link, using code CAH10-03-03:

Check if you need an ATAS certificate .