Research Fellow in Sustainable Process Engineering

University of Leeds; Leeds; Presencial; GBP 40.000 - 52.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

University of Leeds invites applications for a Research Fellow in Sustainable Process Engineering. You will develop, optimise and scale-up advanced solvent production and purification, integrating novel membrane separation technologies and process modelling to deliver pharmaceutical-grade solvents at industrial scales.

The role requires a PhD in Chemical Engineering or equivalent, experience in process design and Aspen Plus, life cycle assessments, and strong collaboration and communication

Formación

• PhD in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• MEng/MSc in Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in mechanistic modelling of novel separations and solvent systems.
• Experience in process design, simulation and process flow sheeting using Aspen Plus.
• Experience in mechanistic or statistical optimisation techniques.
• Experience in life cycle inventories and life cycle assessments using SimaPro.

Responsabilidades

• Develop scalable solvent production and purification processes.
• Integrate novel membrane separation technologies and process modelling.
• Create mathematical models for process performance and energy use.
• Collaborate with partners across universities and industry.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

Conocimientos

PhD in Chemical Eng

MEng/MSc in Chemical Eng

Mechanistic modelling

Process design

Optimization techniques

Life cycle inventories

Life cycle assessment (LCA)

Collaboration with partners

Time management

Publications

Communication skills

Conference presentations

Teamwork

Professional development

Educación

PhD in Chemical Eng

MEng/MSc in Chemical Eng

Herramientas

Aspen Plus

SimaPro

Descripción del empleo

Research Fellow in Sustainable Process Engineering

Do you have a strong interest in sustainable processes? Do you have experience in Process Systems Engineering and Sustainability? Are you keen to develop your career in optimising novel separations? Do you want to join one of the UK’s research Intensive Universities?

A key challenge in decarbonising pharmaceutical manufacturing is the production of high-purity solvents required for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis, chromatography and cleaning operations. Existing bio-based solvents often fail to meet the stringent moisture, purity and quality specifications demanded by the pharmaceutical sector, while conventional purification methods are highly energy intensive and economically prohibitive.

In this project, you will focus on the development, optimisation and scale-up of advanced solvent production and purification processes, integrating novel membrane separation technologies, process design and mathematical models to deliver pharmaceutical-grade solvents at industrially relevant scales. The work will involve process design, separation and dehydration system optimisation, mass and energy integration, and integrated process performance and evaluation. These activities will establish scalable manufacturing routes that reduce energy consumption, improve resource efficiency and enable the production of low-carbon solvents suitable for deployment across global medicines manufacturing supply chains.

This project is funded via the InnovateUK Industrialising UK Bio-based Solvents for Global Medicine Manufacturing, with partners across the University of Leeds, Queen Mary University London, Exactmer Limited, Celtic Renewables Limited, OXCCU Tech LTD, Solve Chemistry LTD, Atmospheric AI Limited and the Centre for Process Innovation Limited.

A PhD (or have submitted your thesis before taking up the role) in Chemical Engineering, A MEng/MSc in Chemical Engineering, Experience in mechanistic modelling of novel separations, Experience in process design, simulation, intensification and process flow sheeting using Aspen Plus, Experience in mechanistic or statistical optimisation techniques, Experience in developing life cycle inventories and carrying out life cycle assessments using SimaPRO software and Ecoinvent databases, Experience in working with and collaborating with multiple partners/stakeholders, Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage competing demands effectively without close support, A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals, Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate your research at national and international conferences, A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team, A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development