Research Assistant/Fellow - 15085

College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Fixed term – 24 months

Research Assistant Salary: R1 Grade from: £33,919 to £35,822 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £44,663 per annum inclusive of London Weighting.

Research Fellow Salary: R1 Grade from: £37,841 to £44,663 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £44,663 per annum inclusive of London Weighting.

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits.

For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home.

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Fellow to work in the groups of Dr Dale McClure and Dr Abhishek Lahiri in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Brunel University London. The appointee will develop a new biotechnological route for producing bio-ionic liquids and subsequently testing them for battery material recycling. Key features of the project will be the development of a sustainable bioprocess for production of bio-ionic liquids using photoautotrophic microorganisms and to understand the role of bio-ionic liquid in dissolving and extracting various metal/metal oxides.

The postholder will be required to develop a sustainable bioprocess for the production of bio-ionic liquids. As part of this the candidate should have expertise in the screening of microorganisms, their cultivation and the extraction and quantitation of target compounds. In parallel, the candidate will evaluate the use of these bio-ionic liquids as solvents for the extraction of valuable metals from battery wastes.

This position is funded by an BBSRC project. The appointment will be for 24 months. The proposed start date is March 1st 2023.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Bioprocessing, Biohydrometallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related subject. Expertise in cultivation of photoautotrophic microorganisms, and extraction of valuable compounds from biomass is essential. Skills in analytical chemistry and electrochemistry are highly desirable. The candidate should have an appropriate publication track record, strong problem-solving skills and a demonstrated commitment to excellence. They will be expected to work closely with existing group members and collaborative team, provide supervision and support to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and have effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

Closing date for applications: 12 February 2023

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please click the apply button.

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk.

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We support flexible working. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under- represented in our workforce.

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