13280 - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bio-Upcycling

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Scotland is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to engineer microbial systems that convert plastic waste into valuable chemicals. This role involves developing biotechnological processes for sustainability in the specialty chemicals sector, and offers opportunities for flexible working arrangements including hybrid options.

Qualifications

• Experience in metabolic pathway design in bacteria.
• Experience in microbial fermentation processes.
• Knowledge in organic chemistry or chemical biology.
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques.

Responsibilities

• Engineer microbial systems to convert plastic waste into chemicals.
• Develop biotechnological routes for waste transformation.
• Collaborate on sustainable chemical technologies.

Skills

Design and engineering of de novo metabolic pathways in bacteria

Microbial fermentation process

Organic chemistry

Analytical chemistry techniques

Job description

Overview

UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 Per Annum.

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science & Engineering.

Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology.

Full Time (35hrs per week).

Fixed Term (18 months).

The Opportunity

A postdoctoral research position is available within the CIRCBIONET (Circular Bioeconomy through Engineering Biology Network for Speciality Chemicals) project as part of the Wallace Lab at the University of Edinburgh. The role will focus on engineering microbial systems to convert plastic waste into high-value chemicals, advancing sustainable, circular biomanufacturing for the speciality chemicals sector.

Working at the interface of engineering biology, metabolic pathway design, and waste valorisation, you will help develop integrated biotechnological routes that transform waste polymers into target molecules for the nutrition and healthcare industries, collaborating with leading researchers in the UK and Singapore to deliver next-generation sustainable chemical technologies.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Your skills and attributes for success

• Experience in the design and engineering of de novo metabolic pathways in bacteria
• Experience in microbial fermentation process
• Experience in organic chemistry, chemical synthesis, or chemical biology
• Experience in the use of analytical chemistry techniques to quantify fermentation end-products