Research Associate in Advanced Biomethane Production from Microalgae

A Research Associate position is available in the Department of Chemical Engineering and in particular in the Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering group, for an outstanding and ambitious chemical engineer to undertake research in the field of industrial biotechnology and in particular in the bioproduction of biomethane from microalgal strains. This is part of a new InnovateUK collaborative project under the scheme “Innovate Ukraine – Supporting Ukraine’s Energy Recovery”. An ambitious collaboration with Ukraine’s energy sector has been setup, including both academic and industrial partners. The project presents an exciting opportunity to undertake world-class research, lead dissemination and communication activities, collaborate with UK and international partners, perform project management tasks, and play an active role in creating impact in the field of renewable energy. Research will include an innovative combination of experimental and computational methodologies to optimise scale-up microalgae cultivation conditions and combination with anaerobic digestion for maximising yield of biomethane. Extraction and characterisation methodologies as well as novel cultivation bioreactors will be explored. In addition, a holistic biorefinery approach to enhance the economic sustainability of the proposed schemes will also be explored. Innovative dissemination is an important part of the project, including high quality publications, oral presentations, media communications, creative web-based communications as well as the potential organisation of workshops, and/or training sessions.

You should have, or be working towards, a PhD in chemical engineering or industrial biotechnology (or equivalent experience). Expertise in microalgae and/or anaerobic digestion systems and relevant techniques for cultivation, characterisation, extraction and bioproduction are essential. Knowledge of modelling techniques and computational programming is highly desirable for this post.

You should be capable of working under your own initiative and leading a research team, comprising PhD students. You will be expected to strongly liaise with the project partners, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Prof. Constantinos Theodoropoulos

Email: k.theooropoulos@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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Jobseeker Support

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.