Research Associate

About the role

The EPSRC funded Sustainable Manufacturing Hub ‘CARMA’ (Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub - Carma Project) has the vision to transform food production, transitioning to an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable model in which novel cellular agriculture (cell ag) manufacturing systems complement traditional food production. This role is one of a network of researchers across six universities, and part of a wider international network of like-minded academic institutions and companies.

The role will work on the tissue engineering-based aspect of work package 1, specifically working on a novel bioreactor design to achieve high yield at scale, with the desired quality. The successful applicant must have a strong and extensive background in bioreactors for animal cell culture, with deep understanding of cell-scaffold interaction and how this impacts bioreactor design and operation.

We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Bioreactor design, build and operation for cultivated food production
• Cell-scaffold construct innovation for improved bioreactor yields
• Upstream-downstream interface (harvesting; fluid dynamics and thermodynamics)

Experience of project managing an academic-industry or industry-based R&D programme is highly desirable. Development of research proposals, for research projects with academic- and/or industrial partners will be an important aspect of this role.

Experience of managing aspects of R&D facilities is highly desirable. Supporting the academic leads in the running of the tissue engineering labs will also be an important aspect of this role.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

About you

• a strong and extensive background in bioreactors for animal cell culture, with deep understanding of cell-scaffold interaction and how this impacts bioreactor design and operation
• a background in Biochemical-, Chemical- or Mechanical Engineering
• a PhD that involved practical design and utilisation of bioreactors for animal cell culture
• experience of close collaboration with industry partners and ability to extend the network of industry partners 
• experience of project management and/ or management of an R&D facility

This role is offered on a part-time (20 hours per week) basis for a fixed term of 48 months.

What we can offer you

We consider ourselves to be a 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 the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

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

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance

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