Research Associate

Interview date: To be confirmed

About the role

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Research Associate for a 6-month post as part of the BBSRC / STFC funded BIOSCENT (Bio-Inspired Optimisation of Surfactant/fragrance Chemistry by Exploitation of Novel Technologies) – a project to redefine sustainable laundry formulation. 

The project:

BIOSCENT is a collaboration between the University of Bath and Unilever plc, including STFC Hartree and Diamond facilities, aiming to advance the fundamental science of fragrance delivery in detergent systems, a key driver of consumer experience. The key challenge is to understand how detergent molecules, including more sustainable biosurfactants, organise and interact with fragrance molecules, in different parts of the fabric washing cycle; and to translate these mechanisms into practical formulation design rules. The project targets these goals using cutting edge experimental and computational methods, with the ultimate aim of replacing petrochemical surfactants with biosurfactant alternatives, and reducing fragrance oil required, through more efficient delivery. As Unilever is one of the largest global producers of laundry products, the advances in this project can make a real difference in lowering environmental impact of the home care sector.

About you

We are looking for a researcher in physical chemistry / soft materials, to lead the experimental workpackage at Bath in the laboratory of Adam Squires (PI). The work will involve development of new experimental methods and models to understand the self-assembly of biosurfactants; their interactions with fragrance molecules in micelles and on surfaces; and the energetics and kinetics of adsorption, encapsulation and release of fragrance molecules as influenced by the surfactants. 

The researcher will devise and carry out experiments using small-angle X-ray scattering, in the University of Bath and the Diamond Light Source, for structural characterisation of micelles in solution and layers on surfaces. These will be combined with complementary techniques using QCM-D and GC-MS headspace analysis to quantify adsorption on to surface and release into vapour respectively, to build up a thermodynamic model to understand the processes underpinning fragrance behaviour in laundry processes. 

The project includes two visits to the Diamond Light Source (B21 and labSAXS beamlines) and collaboration with scientists at Diamond and Unilever. 

The researcher will design experiments; obtain, analyse and interpret data; and present the work in seminars, conferences and publications.

The role will also involve working with the other scientists in the research group (3 PhD students; undergraduate project students), and helping to maintain a supportive, respectful and inclusive working environment. 

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

You must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants who have submitted a thesis in this area and have not yet had their viva will also be considered. 

The ideal candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Specific / Technical: 

• Small-angle X-ray scattering
• Surfactant self-assembly 
• Soft matter / formulation

You should also be able to demonstrate ability in:

Research Skills

• High level scientific writing and presentation
• Data analysis and modelling (coding advantageous)
• Independent project planning and delivery

Broader Skills

• Ability to learn new techniques quickly
• Problem solving
• Collaborative teamworking

Further information

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Adam Squires at as3474@bath.ac.uk.

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