Senior Research Assistant

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the BIOARC project at Northumbria University, contributing to Work Package 2 (WP2): Development and Standardisation of Bio-Based Construction Materials. This role focuses on applying and optimising Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and green moulding techniques to create sustainable, low-carbon construction materials from agricultural waste such as rice husks, wheat straw, hop fibres, and sunflower stalks.

The successful candidate will conduct experimental research on biomineralization processes, develop new bio-composite materials, and standardise fabrication techniques for insulation boards, construction panels, acoustic panels, and partition walls. A key focus will be optimising the bioreactor-based production of bacterial cultures, refining material processing parameters, and ensuring mechanical, thermal, and fire performance meet industry standards.

This role offers an opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary team, collaborate with an innovation company and European partners, and contribute to the scaling up of bio-based materials for real-world applications. The researcher will also engage in and contribute to life-cycle assessment (LCA), prototype development, and industrial testing, helping to shape the future of bioregional, regenerative construction.

About the project

The BIOARC (Bioregional Mineralisation with Agricultural Resources for Construction) project, funded under Horizon Europe, aims to revolutionize bio-based construction materials by transforming agricultural waste into durable, low-carbon, and fire-resistant building materials. The project addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to carbon-intensive construction materials like cement, mineral wool, and gypsum, which contribute significantly to global CO₂ emissions.

BIOARC pioneers a novel biomineralization approach using Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and green moulding techniques to develop scalable, biodegradable, and high-performance materials. By harnessing locally available agricultural by-products—including rice husks, wheat straw, hop fibres, and sunflower stalks—the project ensures that bio-based construction materials are regionally adaptable, economically viable, and environmentally regenerative.

The project brings together a diverse European consortium of research institutions, industry leaders, and community organizations, including Northumbria University, the Technical University of Munich, Cresco Biotech, and InnoRenew CoE. It integrates scientific innovation, industrial applications, and community engagement, developing four prototype construction products and establishing circular bio-based value chains.

Through real-world demonstrations, including pavilion structures and pilot projects, BIOARC aims to bridge the gap between research, industry, and policy, contributing to the New European Bauhaus initiative and shaping the future of sustainable construction.

About the team

The research team at Northumbria University is at the forefront of bio-based construction innovation, leading Work Package 2 of the BIOARC project. Based within the Living Construction group in Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE), our interdisciplinary team integrates expertise in biotechnology, materials science, and sustainable architecture to develop novel biomineralized building materials.

BIOARC is a collaboration between leading institutions, including Technical University of Munich, Cresco Biotech, InnoRenew CoE, and WeLoop, bringing together scientists, engineers, and industry partners across Europe. Together, we are pioneering scalable, low-carbon construction materials to transform the built environment.

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