Research Associate in Biorefinery

Job Title: Research Associate in Biorefinery
Department/School: Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment
Campus: Belfast
Salary: £32,314 - £35,898 per annum
Duration: Fixed-term until 29th February 2028 / Full-time
Closing Date: 9th January 2025 at 23:30
Reference Number: 032922

- ABOUT US -

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.

- THE ROLE -
 
The post holder will report to the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) and will develop techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) models to evaluate the economic viability and sustainability of the refinery and identifying areas for improvement.
 
The project aims to develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly pathways to upgrade biomass components to bioplastic precursors (e.g., 3-H) and biopolymers. The biomass used in the project includes Corn stover (CS), which is the largest quantity of biomass residue in the United States; Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS), which represents 40% of horticultural output in Northern Ireland; and Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), a by-product of the brewing industry, which is a major industry in Ireland.
 
This post is funded by a trilateral agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Republic of Ireland Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
 
We may create a 12-month waiting list for same or similar roles within the Department / Faculty. The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.
 
 - ABOUT YOU -

The postholder will be required to have:

- A first or upper-second class honours degree in Chemical Engineering or a related Applied Physical Science.
- PhD degree (completed or near completion, i.e. thesis submitted) in a relevant area.
- Experience of fuel processing technology.

Please find our employee benefits on our website.

Athena Swan Statement

The Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality. You can read more about what this means on our University website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.

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