Research Associate in Biomass Processing with Ionic Liquids

White City Campus - On site only

About the role

You will develop novel flexible plastic packaging films that can also compete with commercial fossil-derived counterparts but derived from renewable biomass, such as cellulose and polyhydroxyalkanoates sustainably using ionic liquids as green processing solvents.

What you would be doing

You will produce independent and original research, specifically to design, synthesise and characterise ionic liquids for biomass polymer processing and use these to synthesise and characterise biodegradable composite films using biomass polymers such as cellulose and polyhydroxyalkanoates.

You will submit publications to refereed journals and assist with the day-to-day supervision of students. This project will involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research.

What we are looking for

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD, or equivalent in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience with ionic liquids, biomass derived polymers, preparation of polymer composites with ionic liquids
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people, along with team working skills
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
• Ability to plan and conduct research independently.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to join the world-leading ionic liquids research group
• The opportunity to develop you skills in materials characterisation
• The opportunity to develop your research interests
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year)

Further information

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant. 

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Prof Tom Welton – t.welton@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information