Research Associate - Producing Protein Emulsifiers

Dunhillmedical; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave (41 days pro rata)

Generous pension scheme

Flexible / hybrid working

Discounts and staff benefits

Job summary

University of Sheffield is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on producing protein emulsifiers for the food industry. The role focuses on cultivating microalgae, biomass production, and biochemical characterisation within the Engineering for Health theme at the School of Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering.

The successful candidate will design experiments, manage workloads, and collaborate with partners to advance research, publications and proposals while upholding

Qualifications

• PhD in biological science or bioprocess engineering.
• Experience cultivating microalgae and harvesting biomass with relevant biochemical characterisations.
• Experience motivating and communicating with a team of staff.

Responsibilities

• Design, set-up and run experiments to meet project aims in consultation with the supervisor.
• Cultivate microalgae at different scales and harvest biomass for downstream processing and characterisations.
• Document lab procedures, protocols and study designs; keep accurate records and report findings.
• Lead and train research team members; plan work and allocate resources as required.
• Analyse data, prepare reports and contribute to dissemination of results at conferences and publications.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in biological science / bioprocess engineering

Job description

Research Associate - Producing Protein Emulsifiers

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will be working on an exciting project that assesses the feasibility of producing protein emulsifiers for use in the food industry.

There is an urgent need from food manufacturers and consumers for clean-label naturally derived emulsifier alternatives to synthetic or unsustainable natural sources. The global market

for protein-based emulsifiers is experiencing substantial growth driven by the reformulation of

product ranges away from synthetic additives. The project will involve engagement with industry and address research under the Engineering for Health theme of the School carried out at the University.

The role will be based at the School of Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield and will have responsibility for conducting the project in consultation with the academic supervisor and the project partners. The post requires the candidate to have prior experience on cultivating microalgae, and generating biomass for downstream operations, and will include analytical characterisations.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, set-up and experimentation to achieve project aims, in consultation with project supervisor.
• Laboratory cultivation of microalgae at different scales and harvest of biomass for downstream processing and biochemical characterisations.
• Work independently and as part of a team to identify appropriate research methods by critically assessing the state-of-the-art and contributing to the development of new methods.
• Write and document lab procedures, protocols and study designs.
• Keep excellent scientific records and analyse and interpret experimental data, prepare reports and when required, participate in conference calls with collaborators and funder.
• Work closely with other researchers, for instance to plan research, share data, samples and best practice approaches, in support of research objectives.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
• Order all reagents/consumables required for the experimental work.
• Supervise/Advise research team/activities including the training of other users in the lab.
• Plan and manage own workload, with guidance from colleagues as required.
• Demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, following all guidelines, procedures etc., escalating any concerns as appropriate.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Take a lead role in writing up research outcomes for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate results, for example, in peer reviewed journal publications and presentations at national/international conferences and seminars.
• Contribute to the development of further research proposals.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in biological science or biological /bioprocess engineering.

Essential

Application

Experience of cultivating microalgae and harvesting biomass including relevant biochemical characterisations of microalgal biomass.

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of motivating and communicating with a team of staff.

Desirable

Application/Interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills; communicating to staff at all levels the organisation’s strategic plan and their personal contribution towards it

Desirable

Application/Interview

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.

Desirable

Interview

Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications.

Essential

Interview

Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances.

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

£38,784 - £41,064 pro-rata

Work arrangement

Part-time (40% FTE)

Duration

6 months (01.10.2026 - 31.03.2027)

Line manager

Project supervisor

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website .

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr. S. Vaidyanathan, Project lead: on s.vaidyanatha n @sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 7526.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on as soon as possible following the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 21st September 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [e-mail] .

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date :21/09/2026

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.