Jobs at Bath | Chemical Engineering

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Biodegradable Capsule Manufacturing (KK12706)

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated researcher, with an interest in working at the interface of biopolymer chemistry and process engineering.

This project aims to develop an innovative continuous manufacturing process for biodegradable cellulose-based microcapsules to replace fossil fuel-based plastic microcapsules used in a wide range of personal and consumer products responsible for polluting the environment as part of the . Microcapsules are used in a wide range of personal care and consumer goods where they provide added value to products. However, they contribute heavily to plastic pollution in our oceans and soil, damaging the environment and ending up in the human food supply chain with potentially damaging health effects.

About the role

This is a collaborative project with Naturbeads ltd, a company that manufactures biodegradable microspheres.

Areas of work this position covers include:

Functionalising cellulose feedstocks to for stable capsule walls;
Fabricating microcapsules in a continuous process, e.g. using membrane emulsification; and
Investigating capsule formulation, stability and controlled payload release.

This position is offered full time, fixed term for 24 months from September 2025. 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.

About you

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

A PhD in a relevant subject area
Knowledge of biopolymer chemistry, functionalisation and physicochemical characterisation. Specific expertise on cellulose is desirable but not essential.
Prior knowledge of microcapsule fabrication and formulation is desirable but not essential.
Prior experience or a demonstrable interest in working at the interface of biopolymer chemistry and process engineering and a willingness to learn.
Good organisational and presentation skills.
The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment.

Further information

Please ensure you submit your application via our website. 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 Prof Davide Mattia, d.mattia@bath.ac.uk.

As a researcher in SCHEMA you will benefit from interactions with a large number of colleagues in chemistry, engineering, material science, computation, and systems analysis at the Universities of Bath, Cambridge, Cardiff, Liverpool, Oxford and York as well as exposure to a network of >20 industrial partners. We are a friendly, sociable research group, and we celebrate a mix of cultures and the creative-thinking that comes from a neuro-diverse, gender-balanced and LGBTQ+ -inclusive team.

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

What we can offer you

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, so we 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 commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Free counselling services through Health Assured
Cycle to work scheme
Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Staff discount at Team Bath gym
Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
Staff discount on language courses
Generous employer contributory pension schemes
Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
Local discounts and more
A family-friendly workplace
An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
Relocation allowance
Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits.

Find out from our staff what makes the ��˿��Ƶ a great place to work. Follow us and on X for more information.

Closing Date: 12 Jun 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413

Research Associate (KK12728)

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

About the role

The EPSRC funded Sustainable Manufacturing Hub ‘CARMA’ (Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub - ) has the vision to transform food production, transitioning to an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable model in which novel cellular agriculture (cell ag) manufacturing systems complement traditional food production. This role is one of a network of researchers across six universities, and part of a wider international network of like-minded academic institutions and companies.

The role will work on the tissue engineering-based aspect of work package 1, specifically working on a novel bioreactor design to achieve high yield at scale, with the desired quality. The successful applicant must have a strong and extensive background in bioreactors for animal cell culture, with deep understanding of cell-scaffold interaction and how this impacts bioreactor design and operation.

We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Bioreactor design, build and operation for cultivated food production
Cell-scaffold construct innovation for improved bioreactor yields
Upstream-downstream interface (harvesting; fluid dynamics and thermodynamics)

Experience of project managing an academic-industry or industry-based R&D programme is highly desirable. Development of research proposals, for research projects with academic- and/or industrial partners will be an important aspect of this role.

Experience of managing aspects of R&D facilities is highly desirable. Supporting the academic leads in the running of the tissue engineering labs will also be an important aspect of this role.

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