Post Doctoral Research Associate in Biodegradable Capsule Manufacturing

University Of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading university as a researcher focused on developing biodegradable cellulose-based microcapsules to replace plastic alternatives. This role involves collaboration with industry partners and offers a chance to contribute to environmental sustainability through innovative research and development in biopolymer chemistry.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Generous annual leave allowance

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant subject area required.
• Knowledge of biopolymer chemistry and physicochemical characterisation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop continuous manufacturing process for biodegradable microcapsules.
• Functionalise cellulose feedstocks and fabricate microcapsules.
• Investigate capsule formulation and stability.

Skills

Knowledge of biopolymer chemistry

Good organisational skills

Presentation skills

Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment

Education

PhD in a relevant subject area

Job description

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 SCHEMA HUB . 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, [e-mail] .

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 University of Bath, 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 Safer Recruitment 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 University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

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Further details:

• Job Description & Person Specification

• Terms and Conditions of Employment

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.