Economic Development Lead : Bioenergy and Bioproducts

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution seeks a full-time specialist to advance biomass and bioenergy research. Responsibilities include identifying economic impacts of sustainable projects and collaborating with researchers across the UK. The ideal candidate should be degree-qualified with strong communication and project development skills. This position offers excellent training, generous leave, and family-friendly policies, located in Birmingham, UK.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

On-site gym and pool

Excellent training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified to at least degree level.
• Successful experience of building enduring business relationships.
• Experience in commercialization and regional economic development.

Responsibilities

• Drive national impact associated with biomass and bioenergy research.
• Identify economic development impacts of sustainable bioenergy projects.
• Work with researchers to develop implementation projects.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Experience in project development

Ability to build business relationships

Education

Degree level qualification

Job description

EBRI

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Salary: £47,389 to £53,301 per annum

Grade: Grade 09

Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 16 January 2026

Interview Date: Friday 30 January 2026

Reference: 1576-25

Release Date: Friday 19 December 2025

Aston University's Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute wishes to recruit a full-time specialist to drive forward national impact associated with biomass and bioenergy research.

The successful candidate will work with SGBIH researchers across 10 national universities and with local / regional authorities across the United Kingdom to identify the wider economic development impact of strategic implementation of sustainable bioenergy and bioproducts in the U.K.

This is a unique role that does not require in-depth knowledge of the bioenergy sector, but does require experience in project development, commercialization and / or regional economic development. As the successful candidate will work with researchers to identify a pipeline of potential national bioenergy implementation projects and quantify the associated socio-economic impacts. You will focus on practical implementation and dissemination to ensure wider understanding of the contextual potential of biomass and bioenergy to deliver jobs, economic development and support the UK industrial strategy.

Qualified to at least degree level you will have strong capability in written and verbal communication, successful experience of building enduring business relationships and delivering results through others.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Rakhi Parmar, Supergen Bioenergy Impact Hub Project Manager ([e-mail])

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual's lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston