Postdoctoral Researcher: MAXIFEED

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute is a partner in an exciting new project to reduce carbon emissions in the agricultural sector. We wish to appoint a researcher to carry out life cycle assessment to quantity the carbon reductions associated with miscanthus growth, processing and utilization as animal feed. As the successful candidate you will gather data from partners on crop cultivation, feed production and animal impacts to develop a fully life cycle analysis. This will include agricultural growth, product manufacture and animal utilization. Whilst the main focus is the carbon balance, commercial software will be used to support evaluation of a wider set of life cycle indicators. 

You will work with a team of national researchers with specialist expertise in the different elements of the overall life cycle analysis. You will use your technical experience to gather data, make judgements on appropriate assumptions and develop holistic models of the system. You will translate these into formal life cycle assessments using established commercial software to evaluate the full carbon balance and wider life cycle impacts of the system. You will synthesize the environmental impacts of the system in targeted reports and scientific publications. 

You should have an appropriate scientific, engineering, agricultural or mathematical background, with a PhD in a relevant topic. You will have strong analytic, modelling and data analysis skills and experience of writing up research outputs. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong team work ethos. 

For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Prof. Patricia Thornley (p.thornley@aston.ac.uk)

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they: 

• Are under 26 years old
• Hold a PhD that is relevant to the role
• Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 years
• Are already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th 2024

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 19 February 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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