Background:
Byohm, the trading name for Wastewater Fuels Ltd, is a UK-based clean technology company pioneering next-generation wastewater treatment and renewable energy systems. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Coventry, West Midlands, we develop bio-electrochemical systems (BES) that convert wastewater into treated water and renewable fuels.
Driven by a mission to revolutionise wastewater treatment through low-energy, sustainable technologies, we aim to recover energy and protect natural resources. Our vision is to create a world where every drop of wastewater and organic waste contributes to a circular, decarbonised economy — transforming what was once waste into a valuable source of clean energy and environmental resilience.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Chemist to work on the development, optimisation, and scale-up of Microbial Fuel Cells for wastewater treatment and Microbial Electrochemical Cell – Anaerobic Digestion systems (MEC-AD).
The successful applicant will contribute to the research, design, build, testing, and engineering optimisation of bio-electrochemical systems for wastewater treatment.
This role is suited to a candidate with a Masters in Chemistry. Essential skills include: electrochemistry, bio-electrochemical systems and catalysis with an interest in developing scalable technologies for renewable energy, waste treatment, and resource recovery.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Work on the research and development of bio-electrochemical systems from laboratory scale through to pilot and scale-up stages.
- Designing, building, testing, and optimising microbial electrochemical systems.
- Work on process design, reactor configuration, materials selection, and system integration.
- Analysing system performance, including biogas production, methane yield, COD removal, volatile fatty acids, pH, alkalinity, nutrient balance, and electrochemical performance.
- Developing experimental plans, operating procedures, and technical reports.
- Identifying opportunities to improve system efficiency, stability, and commercial viability.
- Working with multidisciplinary teams, including chemical engineers, microbiologists, electrochemists, and mechanical engineers.
- Reviewing scientific literature and applying current research findings to system design and optimisation.
- Communication of project progress with internal and external stakeholders.
- Supporting grant applications, technical proposals, presentations, and publications where required.
Essential Requirements:
To be considered for the role Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
- Knowledge of bio-electrochemical systems.
- Knowledge of electrochemistry, including electrode materials, cell design, voltage/current measurement, cyclic voltammetry, impedance analysis, or electrochemical reactor performance.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
The following skills would be advantageous:
- Experience designing, operating, or analysing laboratory-scale or pilot-scale bioreactors.
- Understanding of industrial waste treatment.
- Understanding of microbiology, particularly methanogens, biofilms and syntrophic interactions.
- Knowledge of renewable energy systems, wastewater treatment, organic waste treatment, or circular economy technologies.
- Experience with gas analysis, chromatography, spectrophotometry, electrochemical testing, or biochemical methane potential testing.
- Experience preparing academic publications, technical reports, grant proposals, or patent-supporting documentation.
Personal Attributes:
We are looking for someone who is:
- Curious, research-driven, and technically rigorous.
- Comfortable with a hands-on approach to working on emerging technologies with evolving design requirements.
- Able to work individually and as part of a team.
- Able to translate laboratory findings into practical engineering improvements.
- Organised and capable of managing experimental work, data, and documentation.
- Collaborative, proactive, and willing to contribute new ideas across disciplines.
- Motivated by sustainable technology, renewable energy, and environmental innovation.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary (£27k to £36k pa, subject to experience)
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £27,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Education:
Experience:
- Laboratory: 1 year (required)
- Electrochemistry: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Coventry CV3 4LB (preferred)
Work Location: In person
