Research Associate in Biobased Materials from Ionic Liquids

Location: South Kensington, London

Job Summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to work on a funded research project involving biobased materials synthesized using ionic liquids in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The project will focus on ionic liquids as media to pretreat biomass and valorise the fractions into key energy storage materials, a key step in redefining industry and developing a more sustainable bioeconomy.

The research activities will revolve around developing routes to renewable materials from lignocellulosic biomass using ionic liquids.

We are seeking a new team member within our Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing group. This is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council programme grant ‘Bio-derived and Bio-inspired Advanced Materials for Sustainable Industries (VALUED)’. There will also be numerous opportunities to collaborate with researchers across the UK working on biorenewables and bioenergy production through the Supergen Bioenergy Hub.

Duties and responsibilities

You will carry out research programmes to investigate the behaviour and design of ionic liquids for biorefining. The project will involve the pretreatment of biomass, synthesis and characterisation of biobased materials.

Essential requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience, and have:

• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Knowledge of biorefining
• Knowledge of ionic liquids
• Experience with a range of analytical techniques, including HPLC, UV-vis, compositional analysis and materials characterisation
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature
• Willingness to work within a team and to be open-minded and collaborative

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £41,694 – £44,888 per annum. 

Further Information 

The post is available for 24 months from October 2024, with the possibility of extension subject to research funding.

Salary on appointment will be limited to a maximum of SP18, £48,376, depending on experience. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Professor Jason Hallett at j.hallett@imperial.ac.uk.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 18^th August 2024 

For technical issues when applying online, please contact: support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk

Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment. We are an Athena SWAN Silver award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and work in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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