Research Associate in Manufacturing of Sustainable Microcapsules (KP13466) - Bath, BA2 7AY
7 days ago
Bath
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated Research Associate, 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 ___ . 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. This is a collaborative project with Naturbeads ltd, a company that manufactures biodegradable microspheres. The project will involve: • Functionalising cellulose feedstocks to for stable capsule walls, • Fabricating microcapsules in a continuous process, e.g. using membrane emulsification, • A PhD in biopolymer chemistry, preferably cellulose chemistry., • 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. For an informal conversation about the role please contact Professor Davide Mattia on . 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 and 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're very proud to be a signatory of the ___. an accredited ___; ___, committed to ___. We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer: • 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 ___, • An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce Closing Date: 08 Apr 2026 Department: Education & Research Salary: £38,784 to £46,049