Research Associate/Fellow (FTC)

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Research Associate to join a cutting-edge research project focused on the development of sustainable flower waste biorefineries for applications in the consumer goods sector. The successful candidate will play a key role in evaluating the sustainability and economic viability of these emerging technologies through integrated techno-economic and life cycle assessments.

The project explores the valorisation of floral waste streams into high-value products such as bio-based fragrances with potential applications in sectors such as personal care, cosmetics and cleaning products.

This role is part of the Supergen Bioenergy Impact Hub, a multi-institutional initiative funded by UKRI to support innovation and impact in the UK bioenergy sector. The candidate will work within a dynamic and collaborative research environment and will contribute to shaping the future of sustainable biomass valorisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed techno-economic assessments (TEA) of biorefinery pathways using flower waste feedstocks, focusing on their integration into consumer goods manufacturing chains.
• Perform life cycle assessments (LCA) to quantify the environmental impacts of proposed processes and compare them with conventional alternatives.
• Develop process models using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, SimaPro, or equivalent).
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including process engineers, chemists, and industry stakeholders in the consumer goods sector.
• Interpret and communicate results through reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to project management tasks and coordinate with other Supergen Bioenergy Impact Hub partners.
• Support outreach, knowledge exchange, and public engagement activities.
• Provide support, guidance and supervision to postgraduate students and research staff, where appropriate, in own area of expertise.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• PhD (or near completion) in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Process Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment methodologies.
• Proficiency with modelling and simulation software relevant to TEA and LCA.
• High analytical ability to analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports, and bring new insights.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clarity on complex information.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Desirable:

• Experience working on biomass, biorefining, or waste valorisation projects.
• Familiarity with the consumer goods sector, chemicals sector or other relevant industries.
• Experience engaging with industrial stakeholders or policy-related activities.
• Experience preparing applications for research funding.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position available from December 2025 for an initial period of 8 months, with the possibility of extension. The role is based in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering, at our University Park Campus in Nottingham. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Parimala Shivaprasad (parimala.shivaprasad@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Ioanna Dimitriou (ioanna.dimitriou@nottingham.ac.uk).

Please note formal applications must be submitted via the University's online application system.

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