Research Associate in GB Chemicals

The Role

We are excited to launch this new opportunity for a Research Associate in Biodegradation Testing to join us in the School of Engineering. This position focuses on developing new workflows and high-throughput biodegradation methods to screen and test the persistence of chemical products, using case studies, which generate data to identify chemical structures/moieties that may lead to environmental persistence.

Great British Chemicals is a National Research & Innovation Centre for Sustainable Industrial Futures. Funded by EPSRC and NERC, the centre will unite the UK chemical industry, academic researchers and policy makers to advance innovative, scalable and sustainable technology solutions for de-fossilising chemicals manufacturing. We aim to create people-focussed opportunities to truly shape sustainable carbon management.

You will contribute to research that explores new and existing chemistries, from precursors generated from non-fossil fuel feedstocks, which underpin modern chemical products towards those that are safe and sustainable by design. The aim is to develop test methods that can be utilised earlier in product development rather than current regulatory persistence assessment tests that are used after product development.

You will join a diverse community of colleagues based in Newcastle in our Environmental Engineering Research Group and work with Russell Davenport Oliver Heidrich, and collaborate with Elizabeth Gibson from the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

You will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop suitable case study chemicals (with a focus on water soluble polymers), biodegradation test workflows, analytical techniques, data, and regulatory guidance that enable stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate sustainability trade-offs and inform policy, industry strategy, and innovation pathways.

This role is embedded in a flagship programme addressing one of the most critical global challenges: transitioning to sustainable, circular, and net-zero industrial systems.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with a passion for collaboration and the ability to interact and engage with industry, academia, and environmental regulators, and who can be an integral part of a diverse network of specialists. We are looking for candidates who have experience. The research integrates chemical structure and function with bioinformatics, biodegradation test platforms, and chemical, microbiological and environmental analyses towards supporting industry in complying with chemical safety regulations and policies.

You will contribute to shaping a new generation of biodegradation tests used to facilitate early screening of potentially persistent chemicals - ensuring chemical products are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible.

We want you to feel confident when applying for a position with Newcastle University. If you'd like an informal discussion to clarify any points, please contact russell.davenport@newcastle.ac.uk. We are committed to making the process accessible to everyone and can provide additional support to adjustments to meet your needs'.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering here: Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering | Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering | Newcastle University.

Duration of post is 2 years.

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