Post Doctoral Research Associate (Ecotricity)

University of Bath


About the role:

We’re looking for a post-doctoral researcher to help pioneer the production of novel foods directly from grass funded directly from Green Britain Group (Ecotricity) as part of the BBSRC funded consortia: Pasture to Plate. Our vision is to maximise the food potential of UK pasture by using targeted chemical processing and novel biotechnology to convert grass into nutritious edible fractions. This promotes healthier and more affordable alternative foods, making UK agriculture more resilient and sustainable. 

Grass is rich in cellulosic fibre, proteins, digestible carbohydrates, starch, lipids, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. As the lignocellulosic structure cannot be broken down in the stomach, novel chemical processing methods are needed to release these nutrients. In this project you will be developing a range of extraction methods at both lab and pilot scale to extract the nutritious components before the rest of the grass is depolymerised to feed an anaerobic digestor (AD) to produce biogas. 

This role will be pivotal in developing the chemical processing of the system, developing a real workable solution to producing human food from grass. You will be supported by researchers working on the downstream biological anaerobic digestion process, the lifecycle and economic assessment, nutritional profiling and developing novel foods from fractions, to ensure the maximum impact of your work. 

This is a full time, fixed term position based at the University of Bath with an expected end date of July 2024.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Professor Chris Chuck on [email protected] , however please ensure you submit your application through our website.

About you:

You must hold a PhD in food science, food engineering, analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a relevant subject area. 

You should also have:

  • A strong background and experience in one of these fields including strong analytical skills
  • A track record in conducting high quality research, evidenced by publications in peer reviewed journals
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams are essential

Applications should include a CV and covering letter (no more than 2-pages) explaining your interest in and suitability for the position. 

About us:

You’ll benefit from working in a dynamic multidisciplinary team based at the Dept. of Chemical Engineering on the main University of Bath campus. The Department is a top 10 department nationally, which specializes in pioneering sustainable technology development, including the development and optimisation of novel foods through cellular agriculture.

You will also be working closely with Green Britain Group (Ecotricity), which was founded by Dale Vince OBE and is leading projects to improve the sustainability of Energy, Transport and Food across the UK.

What we can offer you:

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award . We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams. 

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff .

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.

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Further details:

Visa information

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Update to our application process

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details will be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.

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