Overview
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will be working on an exciting project that assesses the feasibility of producing protein emulsifiers for use in the food industry.
There is an urgent need from food manufacturers and consumers for clean-label naturally derived emulsifier alternatives to synthetic or unsustainable natural sources. The global market
for protein-based emulsifiers is experiencing substantial growth driven by the reformulation of
product ranges away from synthetic additives. The project will involve engagement with industry and address research under the Engineering for Health theme of the School carried out at the University.
The role will be based at the School of Chemical, Materials & Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield and will have responsibility for conducting the project in consultation with the academic supervisor and the project partners. The post requires the candidate to have prior experience on cultivating microalgae, and generating biomass for downstream operations, and will include analytical characterisations.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Design, set-up and experimentation to achieve project aims, in consultation with project supervisor.
- Laboratory cultivation of microalgae at different scales and harvest of biomass for downstream processing and biochemical characterisations.
- Work independently and as part of a team to identify appropriate research methods by critically assessing the state-of-the-art and contributing to the development of new methods.
- Write and document lab procedures, protocols and study designs.
- Keep excellent scientific records and analyse and interpret experimental data, prepare reports and when required, participate in conference calls with collaborators and funder.
- Work closely with other researchers, for instance to plan research, share data, samples and best practice approaches, in support of research objectives.
- Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.
- Order all reagents/consumables required for the experimental work.
- Supervise/Advise research team/activities including the training of other users in the lab.
- Plan and manage own workload, with guidance from colleagues as required.
- Demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, following all guidelines, procedures etc., escalating any concerns as appropriate.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Take a lead role in writing up research outcomes for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate results, for example, in peer reviewed journal publications and presentations at national/international conferences and seminars.
- Contribute to the development of further research proposals.
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
A PhD in biological science or biological /bioprocess engineering.
Experience of cultivating microalgae and harvesting biomass including relevant biochemical characterisations of microalgal biomass.
Experience of motivating and communicating with a team of staff.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills; communicating to staff at all levels the organisation’s strategic plan and their personal contribution towards it
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications.
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances.
Further Information
£38,784 - £41,064 pro-rata
6 months (01.10.2026 - 31.03.2027)
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr. S. Vaidyanathan, Project lead: on s.vaidyanathan@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 7526.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on as soon as possible following the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 21st September 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
