Research Associate in Circular Economy of Small Medical Devices

The Research Associate will work as part of the wider research programme to develop a whole system circular approach to design, use and end-of-life management of small medical devices (SMD). This includes life cycle sustainability assessment (including environmental, economic and social considerations) to support ‘design for circular economy’ improvements as well as for the selection of the most appropriate reprocessing options (remanufacturing and reuse or material recycling) for various SMD.

The role will primarily involve developing business models that quantify and optimize the manufacture, procurement, use and re-use of small medical devices in the circular supply chains and business settings, considering operational and behavioural aspects.  This will involve using operational research techniques such as simulation and/or hybrid simulation (discrete-event simulation, agent-based and system dynamics), to be combined with economic evaluation data to assess the feasibility and viability of circular product lifecycles. Models of 4 reference SMD products will be developed with the view to adapting and innovating the current practice in the use, manufacture and disposal of small MDs, using a data-driven approach. Factors such as costs, outcomes, CO2 emissions will be used to evaluate the four case products for different circular design options, including reuse, remanufacturing and recycling.

The successful candidate will be based at Nottingham Business School and be a vital member of a wider research team of academics and research associates, based at Loughborough University, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Leeds. The role involves a mix of independent and collaborative research activities, working alongside other members of the research team and industrial partners, consisting of healthcare organisations and NHS Trusts at the appropriate time.

For more details, please take a look at the role profile. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly. 

Interview date: TBC