Research Associate in Engineering Biology and Fermentation Process Development

Background

This PDRA position is a key part of a collaborative Innovate UK Smart Grant “NetZeroSoph: Sustainable and Economic Sophorolipid Production for Net Zero Impact”. Based in the Winterburn Research Group at The University of Manchester the PDRA will join a strong, collaborative industry-academia team including Holiferm (https://holiferm.com/) and Evolutor (https://evolutor.bio/). The core aim of NetZeroSoph is to develop, through to pilot scale, biosurfactant production processes with drastically improved environmental and technoeconomic performance. This will be achieved through a combined engineering biology and fermentation process development approach, with success determined via key metrics based on robust techno-economic assessment and life cycle analysis. The development of circular, sustainable biosurfactant fermentation processes is critical to the reimagining of materials manufacturing, with biosurfactants having a key role in the future economy and the transition to net zero. In NetZeroSoph preliminary laboratory work on alternative feedstock utilisation at TRL2/3 will be progressed through to a “translation ready”, scalable process at TRL6, combined with engineering biology to improve yeast strain performance and deliver novel sophorolipid structures with new functionality.   

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Winterburn Group seeks an enthusiastic, high quality PDRA candidate to design and execute a programme of experimental work for improved sophorolipid production, leading to high quality outputs, to include publications and conference presentations, and direct impact. Expertise and experience in running high productivity fermentations is essential. You should be capable of working under your own initiative whilst liaising and collaborating with the project partners, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required. The PDRA is also expected to make a significant, positive contribution to the overall management and operation of the group.

Research Environment:

This is a 2-year fixed term PDRA position which presents an exciting opportunity for the post holder to acquire cutting edge expertise in industrial biotechnology, a growing field critical to the development of the global bioeconomy and achieving net zero targets. NetZeroSoph will empower the PDRA to interface with industry partners, offering a wide range of opportunities for professional development. Within the University The School of Engineering PDRA network provides a broad researcher community and specific support, e.g. Fellowship writing workshops and financial support (typically 3 month PDRA positions for development and submission of a Fellowship). The successful candidate will be a part of the vibrant Winterburn Research Group, currently 1 Technical Specialist, 2 PDRA, 3 PhD and 1 MSc, presenting an opportunity for experience in supervision of PhD, MEng and MSc students. The new Engineering Building A Bio Laboratories house significant bioreactor capability, equipped with a range of Applikon bioreactors, recently acquired via a BBSRC ALERT equipment grant. This is complimented by high quality lab infrastructure and analytical capabilities, e.g. Shimadzu LC-40 XR (purchased 2024), backed up by the Universities extensive analytical facilities.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered                        

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr James Winterburn

Email:  james.winterburn@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: Email: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Advert information