Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Resilience Framework(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About Us

The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources (BSEER) forms part of UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment. BSEER brings together four world-leading Institutes that address the interlinked challenges of Energy, Environment, Resources, and Heritage from a multidisciplinary perspective.

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join a NERC-UKRI funded project focused on Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Resilience Frameworks.

The successful candidate will undertake research combining Material Flow Analysis (MFA), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and value chain modelling to investigate the complex structure of global critical mineral supply chains. The project aims to identify strategies and pathways to enhance supply chain resilience.

You will work under the supervision of Dr Teresa Domenech, collaborating with colleagues at UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources (ISR) and Canadian research partners. The postholder will lead the analytical, material, and economic modelling components of the project and contribute to publications, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

This post is available immediately and funded for 6 or 12 months initially (depending on FTE). Further funding may be available to extend the position.

This position meets the eligibility requirements for UK visa sponsorship, and international applicants are welcome to apply.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as sustainability, resource management, systems modelling, or industrial ecology.

Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with experience in data analysis, data manipulation, and modelling.

Expertise or familiarity with mining, critical minerals, and value chain assessment.

An interest in sustainable resource management, circular economy, and multi-disciplinary research.

Experience in value chain modelling is desirable.

A commitment to producing high-quality research and working collaboratively across disciplines.

What We Offer

UCL provides an outstanding range of staff benefits, including:

41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)

Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ annual leave

Defined benefit career average pension scheme (CARE)

Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loan

Immigration loan and relocation support (for eligible posts)

On-site nursery and gym facilities

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay

Employee Assistance Programme and discounted medical insurance

Learn more at: UCL Rewards and Benefits

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, UCL values diversity as a driver of creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, fairness, and inclusion — ensuring all members of our community feel they belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognizing our sustained commitment and measurable progress toward gender equality.