The Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to support the project “Digital Processing for Biomaterial Design and Sustainable Material Finishing”.
This is a fixed-term post until 31st July 2021, and is part-time working on a 0.4FTE contract.
Job Overview
Integrating the sustainable profile of bio-materials with the precision and flexibility of digital technology, this research will investigate digital processes for emerging bio-materials (e.g. bio-plastics) and existing bio-materials (e.g. linen and other less conventional plant fibres), towards reduction of non-biodegradable textile waste and alternatives to chemical dyes and finishes that render textile goods ‘un-compostable’.
The post is hosted within the Centre for Fine Print research (CFPR) at Bower Ashton campus. Established in 1998, the CFPR consists of a team of multi-disciplinary researchers who conduct internationally acclaimed practical research into the artistic, historical, industrial significance and future of creative print practices, processes and technologies, involving collaborations with a variety of practitioners, institutions and commercial users.
About you
The post will suit someone with a postgraduate qualification in a design subject, with a commitment to designing for sustainability.
The successful candidate should have:
The role will include undertaking review activities, and practice-based research to design and develop digital and bio-based processes for textile coloration, texturing and surface-finishing through experimental sampling and rigorous testing of material properties. The successful candidate will support the project lead in varied research tasks using a design-led interdisciplinary working methodology that combines digital technology, colour and material science and bio-design. You will be expected to document the tests undertaken, collate data and analyse results. In addition, you will be expected to contribute to research and dissemination activities by supporting the preparation of written outputs, design of sample collections to showcase results and participate in events and exhibitions.
About UWE Bristol
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with over 30,000 students, 250,000 alumni and 3,800 staff. We are both globally connected and regionally embedded, with strong employer and partner connections. Our staff and students come from over 160 countries making this a diverse, dynamic and rewarding place to work and study.
We are an ambitious university. Together, our people are working hard to advance knowledge, inspire people and transform futures. We are looking for people with the skills and ambition to help us achieve those aims.
We have a lot to be proud of at UWE, our achievements include an impressive 88% overall student satisfaction in the most recent National Student Satisfaction survey, placing us 2nd of all universities in England and 7th in the UK. We are 6th in the UK for postgraduate student satisfaction (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey) and importantly, 96% of UWE Bristol graduates are in employment or further study within six months after graduation. We have also achieved TEF Gold status, have been ranked 21st in The Guardian Best UK Universities 2021 and 29th in the latest Times Higher Education 'Table of Tables'.
Bristol itself is a hub of social and cultural activity and is a big pull for students and employers alike. A city with a creative and fiercely independent mindset, a vibrant music scene, great restaurants and interesting business ventures. Bristol was the first British city to win the European Green Capital award in 2015, The Sunday Times newspaper named Bristol the best city to live in Britain thanks to its culture, nightlife and proximity to beautiful countryside while National Geographic listed Bristol as 11th in the world's 'cool list' destinations, ahead of Paris and Amsterdam, so it’s not surprising Bristol is consistently named as one of the best places to live and work in the UK.
City Campus
This post is based at our City Campus in Bristol city centre which comprises of Bower Ashton Studios, Arnolfini, Spike Island and Watershed and is home to UWE Bristol's creative and cultural subjects. Through a combination of University sites and partnerships with creative and cultural organisations in the city, we have developed a network of cultural and creative spaces. These enable our students and staff to develop their professional practice in inspiring learning environments as well as provide opportunities for creative collaboration and networking.
In addition to progressive pay rates, UWE Bristol offers a wide range of employee benefits including:
Further information
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity please contact Dr Laura Morgan by email: Laura9.morgan@uwe.ac.uk
UWE is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity to create an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who share our ambition to be a university recognised for the success and impact of our practice-oriented programmes; our strong industry networks and our inclusive global outlook.
We are unable to sponsor candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route, therefore UWE will be unable to sponsor anyone who needs a visa for this role. Candidates must be able to provide their own right to work in the UK.