Research Fellow in Anaerobic Fermentation

Applications are invited for Research Fellow position within the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton, working with the BBSRC-funded Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (https://ebicentre.co.uk/). The work will involve laboratory-based development of mixed-culture fermentation of un-sterilised putrescible organic wastes using engineering biology and bioprocess engineering tools. This includes manipulating or modifying specific microbes in a consortium to increase interactions and enhance metabolic output by redirecting metabolic fluxes to maximise efficiency; and/or designing robust consortia with high tolerance for different types of environmental stress through adaptive laboratory evolution, along with knowledge of high-throughput analysis to understand community dynamics. The results will be written up as project deliverables and publications.

The post will be held in the Environmental Lab of University of Southampton, with close collaboration with leading researchers in other institutions especially Cranfield University. Lab visits and placements to other organisations are therefore expected within the project duration.  

Qualified candidates must:

• Have a PhD in industrial biotechnology, engineering biology, biomolecular engineering, biochemical engineering, environmental biotechnology, microbial electrochemical engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional qualifications and experience
• Sound knowledge of engineering biology, bioprocess engineering, microbial fermentation and bioreactor operation, and excellent experimental research sills in the relevant areas
• Demonstrate potential for conducting impactful research

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The appointment is for a 2-year fixed period, ideally starting in June 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. Informal enquires should be directed to Dr Yue Zhang (Y.Zhang@soton.ac.uk).

To apply, please also submit

• Cover letter maximum one page in length, proposing how you plan to carry out this research
• CV, detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.