Research Associate

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Contract Type: Fixed Term (9 months)

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University is one of Aston University’s flagship research institutes. EBRI boasts a vibrant team of experienced and young researchers, and the successful candidate you will join a team exploring research in aspects of bioenergy and sustainable chemicals. This position offers the unique opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary setting and work with academic and non-academic partners. We are proud to provide a supportive environment for early career researchers and offer mentoring/shadowing and other development opportunities to support staff in transitioning to new roles. 

Applications are invited for a Research Associate (9 months FT) Research Associate position in the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Group within EBRI. This role involves investigating the application of a wide range of advanced thermal conversion (ATC) technologies on sewage sludge samples from UK Water Industry. The technologies of interest include hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), Hydrothermal gasification (HTG) and supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). As the successful candidate you will work with academics and industrial partners to deliver the CIP4 Microplastics and Advanced Thermal Conversion – Phase II project led by AtkinsRealis. 

For this role, the researcher will carry out laboratory-based investigations of using a series of batch reactors ranging from 75 ml to 2 L in capacity to covert sewage sludge to liquid, solid and gaseous products depending on the hydrothermal technology. The role will involve detailed analytical characterisation of feedstock and reaction products, and mass and energy balances calculations. The optimised data will be shared with industrial partners and used to develop kinetic and thermodynamic models for potential technology scale-up. 

For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Professor Jude Onwudili, j.onwudili@aston.ac.uk

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. 

Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa  

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer & welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality & diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence & freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, & motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice & capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 26 January 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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