Research Associate/ Fellow in 3D Printing of Biocatalytic Flow Reactors (Fixed Term)

Area: Engineering

Location: UK Other

This post is part of the EPSRC Programme Grant “Dialling Up Performance for On Demand Manufacturing”. The overall project aim is to rapidly formulate 3D printable materials into products with functional properties. The focus of this specific role within the team is the development of biocatalytic flow reactors as exemplar products, which is an exciting multidisciplinary collaboration between Dr Anca Pordea (enzyme catalysis), Prof Ricky Wildman (additive manufacturing) and Prof Derek Irvine (polymer chemistry). We use enzymes immobilised within 3D printed (hydro)gel networks that form internal reactor structures, have already identified a library of promising materials and developed a platform to test reactor geometries using a model enzyme. 

Your role will be to immobilise a range of industrially relevant enzymes within these materials, to generate 3D printed structures and to optimise the performance of the resulting biocatalytic flow reactors. You will coordinate with members of the team focused on reactor design optimisation to select and 3D print suitable reactor geometries for testing.

As part of the role, you will also have responsibility for safe laboratory practice within the group and contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory and day-to-day training of laboratory members. You will aid in writing publications, present research at national and international conferences and liaise with collaborators. You will be given support to develop and shape your future career, and hence this position may be particularly attractive to those looking to develop their research independence and leadership skills in a supportive and team-oriented environment.

You must have (or about to complete) a PhD in biocatalysis, bio(chemical) engineering, chemistry or a related discipline. Experience in biocatalysis and enzyme immobilisation is essential, and experience in the operation of biocatalytic flow reactors is also desirable. You will have good interpersonal skills and the ability of working in a team to tight deadlines. The CV and/or cover letter should clearly exemplify how you meet the criteria highlighted herein and in the Role Profile and describe your motivation for applying for this position.

The post is for a period of 18 months and is based in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham. The position is available from 1st November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a full time (36.25 hours/week) position, but flexible working times and a small amount of home working are possible to support those with specific requirements. We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Anca Pordea (anca.pordea@nottingham.ac.uk) or Derek Irvine (derek.irvine@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme. 

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Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

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