Research Fellow in Phototrophic Bioprocesses

Fixed Term Contract for 24 months  

Cranfield Water Science Institute welcomes applications from passionate, skilled and committed Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology and Biotechnology graduates with a PhD in relevant subjects to contribute to an exciting European project developing biotechnological processes that use phototrophic microorganisms to recover resources from waste.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Research Fellow to join our team in tackling the critical challenge of resource recovery from waste. The successful candidate will contribute to OLinWASTE, a high-profile European project developing a zero-emission biorefinery to convert olive mill waste into valuable products, including bioimmunostimulants, biopesticides, biofertilizers, bioplastics, and bioenergy. 

This role focuses on developing treatment processes that leverage phototrophic microorganisms to recover polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and macronutrients (N, P) from digestate and other waste streams. Responsibilities include planning and conducting experiments, operating lab and small-scale reactors, and evaluating the microorganisms’ ability to remove organics and nutrients while accumulating PHAs. 

The position also involves assessing coarse filtration as a solid-liquid separation strategy in photo-bioreactors. Working with state-of-the-art facilities and international partners, your efforts will support waste valorisation and environmental protection. This is a unique opportunity for someone passionate about engineering, environmental science, biology, or biotechnology to make a significant impact in the agro-industrial and waste management sectors. 

About You

You will have (or be near completion of) a PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, or Biotechnology, with experience in both qualitative and quantitative research. Expertise in phototrophic microorganisms and applying their properties to engineering contexts is essential. You’ll work with coarse filtration for biomass recovery in photo-bioreactors and should have strong communication skills and a background in wastewater or waste treatment and biological resource recovery. A background in biotechnology, environmental, or engineered systems is advantageous. Knowledge of filtration and separation processes is beneficial. Relevant industry experience will also be considered.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply                                     

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Luca Alibardi, on (E): l.alibardi@cranfield.ac.uk

To apply please click above 'Apply' Button. For further details contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk quoting 5101.

Closing date: 14 July 2025

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