Research Associate (CARMA)

About the role

The EPSRC funded Sustainable Manufacturing Hub ‘CARMA’ (Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub) has the vision to transform food production, transitioning to an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable model in which novel cellular agriculture (cell ag) manufacturing systems complement traditional food production.

Cell ag will enable the manufacture of staple foods, such as meat and palm oil, without the environmental and land impacts of traditional farming and associated ethical issues.

You will work on the tissue engineering-based aspect of work package 1: (Bioreactor technologies for high yield at scale) focussing on achieving high process yield with the desired quality. This will be achieved by increased cell densities, resource demand reduction (feedstocks and energy) and increased output per cell, all resulting from bioreactor design including enhanced mass transfer of nutrients and waste; novel gas exchange; continuous harvesting.

The purpose of this role is to:

• provide research expertise in the field of bioreactor design for culture of mammalian cells
• undertake specific research for Work Package 1 (Bioreactor technologies for high yield at scale)
• work with a range of bioreactor types in Prof Ellis’ lab to elucidate fluid dynamic and thermodynamic correlations and how these effect cell culture
• carry out interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work across the other work packages
• develop research proposals, for research projects with academic- and/or industrial partners
• develop and maintain relationships for delivery and dissemination of this research, across the UK and globally

About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

• a strong and extensive background in bioreactors for animal cell culture
• deep understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and mathematical modelling of bioreactor design
• background in Biochemical-, Chemical- or Mechanical Engineering
• a PhD (or equivalent) that involved utilisation of bioreactors for animal cell culture
• excellent communication skills to disseminate research findings to a range of audiences, including subject experts, commercial collaborators and members of the public
• strong teamworking skills 
• experience in supervising postgraduate and undergraduate students
• an understanding of the development of funding applications

Practical experience with cultured mammalian cells will be very beneficial for this role as it will be central to the work undertaken.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Fiona Carter, Project Manager, at fc796@bath.ac.uk or Professor Davide Mattia at dm294@bath.ac.uk.

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.

This role is one of a network of researchers across six universities, and part of a wider international network of like-minded academic institutions and companies. Find out more about CARMA here.

Advert information