Research Fellow in Sustainable Automotive Polymers
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£39,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2111 (83% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £39,900, and The University of Manchester is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, The University of Manchester assigned 9 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2111 jobs, according to the Home Office.
This could also be SOC 2162 (Other researchers, unspecified discipline) or SOC 2114 (Physical scientists). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2111 Chemical scientists Most likely code | £33,400 | £33,400 | £37,500 | £39,900 |
2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline Also possible | £33,400 | £34,900 | £39,200 | £43,600 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
You will be responsible for:
- Improving the sustainability of polyurethane and alternative feedstock foams through increasing recycled content, developing carbon-negative and carbon-neutral additives and polymers, and improving recyclability.
- Leading the dissemination of their own research outcomes (e.g. through high-impact publications), presenting their independent work at international conferences, and technical communications with the technical team with Polestar and their collaborators.
- Develop and deliver their own individual programme of high-quality research through independent publications, securing additional external funding, and translating projects to industry, at an internationally leading level, within the field of sustainable polymers and related materials.
- Contribute to teaching within the School (at an appropriate level) and develop their teaching and supervision skills through the University’s New Academics Programme, which is accredited by the Higher Education Academy and provides an excellent grounding for transition into a full academic post.
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- A PhD in Polymer Science, Sustainability or Circular Economy, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
- An established research track record, at an international level, in sustainable polymer science, including in one or more of the topics of life cycle assessment, particularly in circular economy or carbon negative materials, polymer recycling, new additives, or polymer characterisation.
- Experience in evaluating sustainability of polymers and plastics through life cycle assessment and/or technoeconomic analysis.
- Experience translating innovation into industry.
- Experience in polyurethane foams, with a particular focus on improved sustainability.
- Experience in developing and optimising circular pathways for automotive polymers or similar multi-materials.
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Michael Shaver
Email Address: [email protected]
General enquiries and administrative support
[email protected]
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with The University of Manchester, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Chemical scientists (SOC 2111) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~19k in sample- Middle half £32,084–~45,604
- Median £38,844
- Minimum £41,700
- Going rate £39,900
- New entrant £33,400–35,900
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at The University of ManchesterAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. The University of Manchester holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, The University of Manchester assigned 9 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2111 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2111 going rate of £39,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.