Senior Research Assistant

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to the development of next-generation bio-based construction materials as part of the BIOARC project at Northumbria University.  Northumbria WP focuses on advancing Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and green moulding techniques to transform agricultural and industrial waste into high-performance, sustainable building materials.

You will play a crucial role in isolating and characterising microbial strains, optimizing MICP processes, and developing bio-cementitious materials with enhanced durability and environmental benefits. Working in an interdisciplinary, international research environment, you will collaborate with engineers, architects and industry partners to drive the translation of these materials from the lab to real-world applications.

The role includes travel to EU partner institutions to collect and analyse microbial strains, perform genome sequencing, and assess biomineralization potential. Additionally, you will contribute to prototype development and material testing, ensuring that bio-based materials meet industry standards for construction applications.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of low-carbon, regenerative construction by integrating biotechnology, materials science, and sustainable design.

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 microbiology, 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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