Research Associate in Engineering Biology and Fermentation Process Development

Job title:

Research Associate in Engineering Biology and Fermentation Process Development

Company

University of Manchester

Job description

Background
This PDRA position is a key part of a collaborative Innovate UK Smart Grant “NetZeroSoph: Sustainable and Economic Sophorolipid Production for Net Zero Impact”. Based in the Winterburn Research Group at The University of Manchester the PDRA will join a strong, collaborative industry-academia team including Holiferm (https://holiferm.com/) and Evolutor (https://evolutor.bio/). The core aim of NetZeroSoph is to develop, through to pilot scale, biosurfactant production processes with drastically improved environmental and technoeconomic performance. This will be achieved through a combined engineering biology and fermentation process development approach, with success determined via key metrics based on robust techno-economic assessment and life cycle analysis. The development of circular, sustainable biosurfactant fermentation processes is critical to the reimagining of materials manufacturing, with biosurfactants having a key role in the future economy and the transition to net zero. In NetZeroSoph preliminary laboratory work on alternative feedstock utilisation at TRL2/3 will be progressed through to a “translation ready”, scalable process at TRL6, combined with engineering biology to improve yeast strain performance and deliver novel sophorolipid structures with new functionality.The Winterburn Research Group is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK. The last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) confirmed the department’s position as one the UK’s elite Chemical Engineering Departments, ranking in the top three institutions for Chemical Engineering. Internationally the department ranks in the top 25 in the world according to the QS rankings. The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk) has a global reputation in research and for its innovative approach to learning, with an on-going £1 billion investment in facilities, staff and buildings. This builds on our tradition of success that stretches back 200 years, including; the birth of the modern computer, the splitting of the atom, the founding principles of modern economics, the discovery of graphene, and the birthplace of chemical engineering – these and many more world changing innovations have their roots in our University.Overall Purpose of the Job
The Winterburn Group seeks an enthusiastic, high quality PDRA candidate to design and execute a programme of experimental work for improved sophorolipid production, leading to high quality outputs, to include publications and conference presentations, and direct impact. Expertise and experience in running high productivity fermentations is essential. You should be capable of working under your own initiative whilst liaising and collaborating with the project partners, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required. The PDRA is also expected to make a significant, positive contribution to the overall management and operation of the group.Research Environment:
This is a 2-year fixed term PDRA position which presents an exciting opportunity for the post holder to acquire cutting edge expertise in industrial biotechnology, a growing field critical to the development of the global bioeconomy and achieving net zero targets. NetZeroSoph will empower the PDRA to interface with industry partners, offering a wide range of opportunities for professional development. Within the University The School of Engineering PDRA network provides a broad researcher community and specific support, e.g. Fellowship writing workshops and financial support (typically 3 month PDRA positions for development and submission of a Fellowship). The successful candidate will be a part of the vibrant Winterburn Research Group, currently 1 Technical Specialist, 2 PDRA, 3 PhD and 1 MSc, presenting an opportunity for experience in supervision of PhD, MEng and MSc students. The new Engineering Building A Bio Laboratories house significant bioreactor capability, equipped with a range of Applikon bioreactors, recently acquired via a BBSRC ALERT equipment grant. This is complimented by high quality lab infrastructure and analytical capabilities, e.g. Shimadzu LC-40 XR (purchased 2024), backed up by the Universities extensive analytical facilities.What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

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 moreHybrid working arrangements may be considered.Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to .Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:Name: James WinterburnEmail: james.winterburn@manchester.ac.ukGeneral enquiries:Email:Technical support:This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Expected salary

Location

Manchester

Job date

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 22:14:45 GMT

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