Research Associate in Innovate UK MET-Biofuels Project

This post is full time, 35 hours per week and is fixed term for two years.

To assist in research on in-situ biomethanation of electromethanogenic reactors using 3D bioprinted bacteria. Enhancing microbial electrochemical technologies for commercial-scale biohydrogen and biomethane production from organic waste (MET-Biofuels).

The Sustainable Biotechnology Research Group at the University of Westminster is seeking a Research Associate to work on microbial electrochemical technologies for gaseous biofuel production. The project is funded by Innovate UK and is a collaboration involving the University of Westminster, WASE Ltd and three other institutions in South Korea.

The successful applicant will be supervised by Professor Godfrey Kyazze and will interact with other researchers with expertise in bioelectrochemical systems, microbiology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and anaerobic digestion.

Organic wastes including food and drink residues, contaminated wastewaters and agricultural wastes are unavoidable. However, they are often lost to landfill or in the case of wastewater, require significant, energy intensive treatment before they are suitable for reuse or discharge to rivers which represents a significant business cost. These organic waste streams contain energy and nutrients that can be harnessed to generate power/heat, clean water and a treated residue suitable for use as fertiliser.

Electromethanogenic reactors can be deployed to harness the value within waste, producing biogas containing ca.50-70% methane. Increasing the percentage of methane in the biogas would make it suitable for use as an alternative fuel source for hard-to-electrify commercial and agricultural vehicles and machinery such as tractors and for injection into the grid pipeline. In this project, electromethanogenic reactors will be augmented with 3D bioprinted bacteria for purposes of achieving in-situ biomethanation of the biogas produced as a way of improving the quality of the biogas generated.

Applicants should have earned at least a degree in biotechnology, biological sciences, environmental, chemical, bioprocess engineering, or a closely related field. The successful applicant will also ideally have research experience in microbial electrochemical technologies and anaerobic digestion.

To apply for this vacancy please click above. Further information can be found in the job description and person specification, which can be accessed through link below.

The appointment will be for a maximum of two years and informal inquiries should be sent to Professor Godfrey Kyazze via G.Kyazze@westminster.ac.uk.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.

Closing date: midnight on 06 February 2025

Interviews are likely to be held on: w/c 17 February 2025

Administrative contact (for queries only): Recruitment@westminster.ac.uk

Advert information