Research Associate Job at The University of Manchester (Manchester)

Job Description

The EB-MIND (Engineering Biology for Metal Recovery from Industrial Waste Streams) project aims to pioneer a novel approach for the biorecovery of platinum group metals (PGMs) from industrial effluents using advanced engineering biology techniques. This multidisciplinary project brings together experts from geomicrobiology, molecular biology, material science, catalysis, and life cycle assessment to develop scalable and sustainable biotechnologies for metal recovery. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team and lead the environmental impact and circularity assessment work package (WP4). This role will involve applying life cycle assessment (LCA) tools and developing a circular economy framework to evaluate the environmental sustainability and circularity of the EB-MIND processes. The successful candidate will work closely with industrial partners, including Johnson Matthey, to compare the environmental impacts of engineered biological processes against existing industrial practices. The post-holder will be based within an interdisciplinary and collegiate team of researchers at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the Department of Civil Engineering and Management (University of Manchester). We are looking for a person with a passion for research and a demonstrable skill to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

Job Responsibility

Lead the environmental impact and circularity assessment work package (WP4) for the EB-MIND project
Apply life cycle assessment (LCA) tools and develop a circular economy framework to evaluate the environmental sustainability and circularity of processes
Work closely with industrial partners, including Johnson Matthey, to compare environmental impacts of engineered biological processes against existing industrial practices
Contribute towards the research team’s efforts to conduct research with genuine impact on policy and practice
Publish in the very highest quality journals

Requirements

PhD in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, industrial ecology, or a closely related discipline
Experience in life cycle assessment and/or material flow analysis
Experience in quantitative environmental sustainability assessment methods and tools
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Excellent communication and writing skills
Ability to publish in high-quality journals