Research Associate in Sustainable Manufacturing of Membranes

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join the EPSRC-funded programme SynHiSel, a major effort linking membrane researchers at Bath, Manchester, Newcastle, Imperial College, Queen Mary and Edinburgh Universities.

Chemical separations are critical to almost every aspect of our daily lives, from the energy we use to the medications we take. Separations consume 10-15% of the total energy used in the world, with novel polymeric membranes having the potential to make these separations 10x more energy efficient and save 100m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and £3.5bn in energy costs annually (US DoE). However, polymeric membranes, covering over 90% of the membrane market are manufactured using highly toxic solvents and non-recyclable polymers, indirectly contributing to the very environmental damage they should address.

You will address this challenge by working on the sustainable manufacturing of membranes using biomass-derived starting materials and benign solvents.

You will join a multidisciplinary and diverse group with expertise in materials, chemistry, process engineering and water treatment, working with Prof John Chew and Prof Davide Mattia in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath, UK.

This position is offered on a full-time basis, fixed term for 1 year from 1^st March 2025.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate, interested in working in a diverse and inclusive team, open to collaboration and with the ambition to innovate in a crucial area for addressing the effects of climate change. 

Our ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.

You will have prior expertise on the sustainable manufacturing of membranes, where benign solvents and natural materials are used in lieu of toxic solvents and fossil-fuel derived polymers. You will be familiar with common membrane manufacturing techniques. Experience in membrane-based liquid separations and membrane characterisation and testing is a plus.

For a full view of the person specification for this role, please view the Job Description attached.

Further information

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact:

Prof Davide Mattia, Deputy Head of Department, at dm294@bath.ac.uk or

Rachel Lewis, SynHiSel Strategy and Partnerships Manager, at rl910@bath.ac.uk.

What we can offer you:

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

Find out more about our benefits.

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.

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