Research Associate in Continuous Bioproduction of Succinic Acid

A postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Department of Chemical Engineering and in particular, in the Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering group, for an outstanding and ambitious chemical engineer to undertake research in the field of industrial biotechnology and in particular in the continuous bioproduction of succinic acid, from crude glycerol. This is part of a new BBSRC Follow-on project and builds on years of successes and innovations in this research area and in particular in biosuccinic acid production.
The project presents an exciting opportunity to undertake world-class research, lead dissemination and communication activities, collaborate with UK and international partners, perform project management tasks, and play an active role in creating impact in the field of industrial biotechnology. Research will include an exciting combination of experimental and computational methodologies to optimise the scale up and the downstream processing of this bioprocess as well as to perform genetic modifications of the working microorganism.
Innovative dissemination is an important part of the project, including high quality publications, oral presentations, media communications, creative web-based communications as well as the potential organisation of workshops, and/or training sessions.

You should have, or be working towards, a PhD in chemical engineering or industrial biotechnology. Expertise in fermentation systems and relevant techniques for cultivation, characterisation, extraction and bioproduction are essential. Experience with bioreactor scale-up and working with continuous bioprocesses is highly desirable. Knowledge of modelling techniques and computational programming is also highly desirable for this post.
You should be capable of working under your own initiative and leading a research team, comprising PhD students. You will be expected to strongly liaise with the project partners, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.
The position is available for 18 moths at the first instance, with a strong possibility for extension to 24 months.