Research Associate - Producing Protein Emulsifiers

Research Associate - Producing Protein Emulsifiers

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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.

• 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.

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.

A PhD in biological science or biological /bioprocess engineering.

Application

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

Application/Interview

Experience of motivating and communicating with a team of staff.

Application/Interview

Effective communication skills, both…