Research Associate

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated researcher, with an interest in working at the interface of chemistry and reactor design & development. The vision of this project is taking a promising new reactor technology, the Spinning Mesh Disc Reactor (SMDR) from the lab into industry to enable commercialisation of resource efficient chemistry to align with the UK NetZero 2050. 

This project will harness the advantages of the SMDR to develop three case studies to scale-up resource efficient chemistry demonstrating: (i) enzyme catalysis, (ii) photochemical synthesis and (iii) plastic recycling. Enzymes, due to their selectivity show promise to synthesise complex chemicals at ambient conditions, including pharmaceuticals, Visible light allow for the direct conversion of solar energy into chemical energy as it removes the need to use photovoltaic devices to generate electricity for use in heating in chemical synthesis. Thirdly, catalytic breakdown of plastics into their constituent monomers can be reused to develop products, with properties that match those of virgin polymer. 

The PDRA will work closely with other researchers from the department of Chemistry, the Institute for Mathematical Innovation and at the University of Nottingham. There is also an industrial advisory board to provide a commercial perspective. 

Evaluation of the three case studies in a single and novel multi-disc SMDR.

About you

To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate the following:

• A PhD in a relevant subject area.
• Extensive lab experience, preferably with catalytic reaction systems.
• Prior experience or a demonstrable interest in working at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering and a willingness to learn.
• Good organisational and presentation skills.

Further information

This position is offered fixed term until 30th September 2027. Part time working and/or some degree of flexible working may be possible and if interested in applying on this basis you should make this clear on your application form.

Please ensure you submit your application via the ‘Apply’ button above. Please note that during initial shortlisting, the panel can only see your application form and your answers to the shortlisting questions; they cannot see your attachments (e.g. your CV).

For informal questions about the role, please contact Dr Emma Emanuelsson at eaep20@bath.ac.uk.

Interviews will take place between 10 and 12 September. 

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

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 and 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're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

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