Postdoctoral Research Associate in Engineering Biology for Bio-Upcycling Plastic Waste

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

Job summary

A leading research university in Edinburgh seeks two postdoctoral researchers to advance microbial valorisation of plastic waste and sustainable plastic monomers. Ideal candidates will have experience in metabolic engineering and fermentation processes. The role offers a competitive salary, flexibility in work patterns, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment focused on sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension schemes

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant field preferred.
• Strong background in engineering biology and chemical synthesis.
• Experience working in a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Pioneer microbial routes to transform plastic waste into industrial products.
• Develop sustainable materials through biocatalytic processes.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners.

Skills

Design and engineering of de novo metabolic pathways in bacteria

Microbial fermentation process

Organic chemistry

Analytical chemistry techniques for quantifying fermentation end-products

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 (24 months)

Number of posts: 2

The Opportunity

Two postdoctoral researcher positions are available within the P3EB Engineering Biology Mission Hub as part of the Wallace Lab at the University of Edinburgh, focused on the microbial valorisation of plastic waste and the biosynthesis of next-generation sustainable plastics monomers. Working at the intersection of engineering biology, metabolic engineering, and sustainable materials science, you will help pioneer microbial and biocatalytic routes to transform plastic waste into high-value industrial products and to develop defossilized monomer platforms that underpin circular, sustainable materials for the future.

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

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Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• The opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, contributing to transformative bio-upcycling technologies and collaborating directly with academic leaders, industry partners, and national scale-up facilities.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

Key dates to note

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

About Us

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

About the Team

As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow's world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active \'BioDocSoc\' organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.

The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

Our website contains more information about the School.