Research Assistant in Bio Chemical Engineering Algae-based Carbon Capture 2025

This 24-month position is part of a Loughborough-led project to demonstrate the commercial viability of our novel two-stage algae-based carbon capture and utilisation concept, using surplus renewable electricity to convert industrial CO2 emissions into valuable algal products (e.g., food supplements, pigments, bio-fertiliser). We will work closely with several strategic industrial partners, to target algae products that maximise value for their business, mimic site-specific conditions in our laboratories and explore opportunities for further integration with their existing processes. The technology will be subsequently scaled and tested for on-site trials with one of these partners to test real-life system performance. The project is funded through UKRIs ‘Accelerating research outcomes to deliver a prosperous net zero’ scheme and includes partners from Heriot-Watt University, University of Manchester and Glasgow Caledonian University.

The post is based in the Departments of Chemical Engineering (School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering) and Water Engineering (Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering) at Loughborough University. You will be responsible for screening and selecting suitable strains for bicarbonate-based algae culture, establishing continuous system operation to evaluate key performance parameters for two-stage culture, planning and conducting onsite trials with selected project partner, as well as closely collaborating and supporting other project researchers.

We are committed to achieving equality for all those who learn and work here and providing a diverse and inclusive working environment. We will consider reasonable adjustments commensurate with the project requirements.

Job purpose

To lead the selection and identification of high-performance algae strains for converting industrial waste gases into value-added products based on close engagement with industrial stakeholders. To translate the findings from laboratory experiments into scale-up trials on-site to aid the commercial evaluation of the process.

Job duties

• To identify, screen and select high-performance halophilic algae strains for cultivation under industrial relevant conditions.
• To develop suitable technical protocols for rapid growth screening, product extraction and analysis.
• To establish stable continuous operation of two-stage carbon capture and algae utilisation system.
• To closely work with partners and suppliers to design and commission a scale-up system for on-site trials.
• To collaborate with our academic and industrial project partners, including short and medium-term visits, and coordinate activities across the consortium  
• To perform risk assessments and adhere to all relevant safety procedures.
• To become familiar with / undertake a literature review / establish / evaluate
• To formulate detailed plans for the project based on broad guidance from the project team.
• To feed back to the project team on progress, to make recommendations for next steps.
• Write up regular progress reports and present outcomes to all Investigators and Collaborators.
• Travel to attend meetings and make presentations both within the project partners working group and to external stakeholders.
• To support the project team by enhancing relationships with existing collaborators and by assisting the establishment of relationships with new collaborators.  
• To write research papers suitable for publication in high quality academic journals.
• To attend and contribute to conferences.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and ensure that intellectual property (IPR) agreements are not violated.
• To assist the academic staff in the project team with the supervision of undergraduate MSc and PhD project work and day-today supervision and support of other researchers.
• Where appropriate, to deliver teaching, tutorial and laboratory sessions to students.
• Engage in training programmes in the University (or elsewhere) that are consistent with the needs and aspirations of the project and those of the Department.
• Undertake other duties as may be reasonably requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post.

Special conditions

All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

All staff should hold a duty and commitment to observing the University’s Equality & Diversity policy and procedures at all times. Duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Equality & Diversity legislation and University policies/procedures.

Successful completion of probation will be dependent on attendance at the University’s mandatory courses which include Respecting Diversity and, where appropriate, Recruitment and Selection.