Research Associate (KK12728)

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Bath is seeking a part-time Research Staff member for the CARMA project, focusing on tissue engineering and bioreactor design for sustainable food production. The role involves collaboration with international researchers and industry, requiring extensive experience in bioreactor operation and project management. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative solutions in cellular agriculture while benefiting from a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Free counselling via Health Assured

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice

Staff discounts

Generous pension schemes

Annual leave plus 5 discretionary days

Professional development opportunities

Free entry to Holburne Museum

Local discounts

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with bioreactors for animal cell culture.
• Experience managing R&D facilities and supporting tissue engineering labs.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel bioreactor design for high yield and quality.
• Manage academic-industry R&D programs and proposals.

Skills

Bioreactor Design

Project Management

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Biochemical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About The Role

The EPSRC-funded Sustainable Manufacturing Hub ‘CARMA’ (Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub - Carma Project) aims to transform food production towards an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable model. This involves integrating novel cellular agriculture (cell ag) manufacturing systems with traditional food production. This role is part of a network of researchers across six universities and collaborates with international academic institutions and companies.

The position focuses on the tissue engineering aspect of work package 1, specifically developing a novel bioreactor design to achieve high yield and quality at scale. The successful candidate must have a strong background in bioreactors for animal cell culture, with a deep understanding of cell-scaffold interactions and their impact on bioreactor design and operation.

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

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

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

Experience managing R&D facilities and supporting tissue engineering labs will also be advantageous.

As a Research Staff member at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to undertake a minimum of 10 days of professional development per year.

About You

• Extensive experience with bioreactors for animal cell culture and understanding of cell-scaffold interactions
• Background in Biochemical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering
• PhD involving practical design and use of bioreactors for animal cell culture
• Experience collaborating with industry partners and expanding industry networks
• Project management and/or R&D facility management experience

This role is part-time (20 hours/week), fixed-term for 48 months.

What We Can Offer You

We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment. We hold a Silver Athena SWAN award and support gender equality and intersectionality. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, and promote a safe, disability-friendly workplace.

• Free counselling via Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice
• Staff discounts (gym, tuition fees, language courses)
• Generous pension schemes
• Annual leave plus 5 discretionary days
• Professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning
• Free entry to Holburne Museum, Bath
• Local discounts, family-friendly policies, relocation support, visa reimbursement, interest-free loans for immigration expenses

We continuously enhance our benefits to support our staff. Learn more about our benefits and why the University of Bath is a great place to work by following @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X.

Closing Date: 16 June 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413