Research Assistant

About This Role

This research assistant role focuses on assessing and developing socio-environmental trade-offs within supply chains, specifically addressing climate-security and geopolitical challenges in the defence sector. The work involves understanding the environmental impacts of military operations through novel Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment, tracing critical minerals from source to finished military products.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate
• Quantify flows of materials, carbon, and resources across supply chains
• Conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) of products, processes, or systems using established databases (e.g., Ecoinvent) and software (e.g., Xcycle, OpenLCA)
• Identify hotspots for emissions, resource depletion, and environmental impacts across value chains
• Support development of digital tools and data platforms for sustainability assessment and decision-making
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations

Requirements

• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results for clients i.e. consultancy reports
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems
• Strong understanding of sustainability assessment frameworks, circular economy principles, and supply chain analysis
• Extensive experience using LCA tools/databases (e.g., OpenLCA, Ecoinvent)
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues and delivering LCA training courses
• Skills in data analysis, modelling, or programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar)
• Experience in creating and delivering Environmental Product Declaration reports
• Proven track record of technical communication, translating scientific ideas and output figures into actionable improvements for clients
• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity
• Honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related discipline

Benefits

• Generous holiday package, plus the opportunity to buy more
• Great pension schemes
• A number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you

Important Details

• Contract: fixed term, 12 months
• Schedule: full time
• Application deadline: 27 October 2026

About the Company

Newcastle University is a global university committed to being fully inclusive and actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. It holds a Gold Athena Swan award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award.