Job Title: Research Associate in Sustainable Protein-Based Films for Agricultural Applications
Posting Start Date: 01/04/2025
Job Id: 926
School/Department: Mathematical Physical Sciences
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £38,249
Closing Date: 29/04/2025
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
A fully funded two-year position, extendable for another two years.
Plastics in agriculture cause significant environmental damage. This project aims to revolutionise agricultural practices by repurposing protein-rich side streams into fully functionalised films with tailored mechanical properties, water resistance, and controlled biodegradation rates. The films will be used for several agricultural-related applications. The project combines materials science, biotechnology, and circular economy principles, making it an excellent fit for Research Associates who want to work at the cutting edge of sustainable materials development.
You will join a vibrant, supportive, and internationally recognised research group at the University of Sheffield, a leader in sustainability research. Under the guidance of Prof. Nadav Amdursky, an expert in protein-based materials, you will be exposed to world-class expertise in the development and application of bio-based polymers. The University of Sheffield offers state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration opportunities with industry and academia, and access to training in transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, and science communication.
Main duties and responsibilities
* The research associate will be responsible for the development of a new generation of protein-based plastic films from sustainable sources.
* Propose and perform research involving the polymerisation of bioderived macromolecules.
* Providing leadership as a professional scientist, including supporting/mentoring other students.
* Collaborating with the project’s partners in Germany.
* To be responsible for the following methodologies and techniques:
o Protein extraction and polymerisation techniques from agricultural side streams.
o Advanced characterisation methods to study the films mechanical properties, biodegradability, and nutrient release.
o Green chemistry approaches for the development of sustainable materials.
o Analytical and measurement techniques for material structure and functionality, including surface characterisation, water vapour permeability, and biodegradation.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit 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.
Essential criteria
* A PhD or equivalent experience in polymer chemistry and/or environmental sciences (Application)
* Experience in protein extraction from raw biomass (Application + Interview)
* Experience in advanced analytical characterisation methods (Application + Interview)
* Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists in other disciplines (Application + Interview)
* Ability to provide supervision – supporting and mentoring e.g. MSc and PhD students (Application + Interview)
* Effective communication skills (including writing papers and making oral presentations at scientific meetings) (Application + Interview)
Desirable criteria
* Experience in polymer chemistry (Application + Interview)
* Experience in working with plastic solutions (Application + Interview)
* A strong interest in cross-disciplinary research at the physical science/polymer chemistry interface (Interview)
* Willingness to work across traditional subject boundaries (Interview)
Further Information
Grade: 7.4 max
Salary: £39,355
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: Fixed term for 24 months
Line manager: Professor of Biophysical Chemistry
Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Nadav Amdursky, Professor of Biophysical Chemistry: N.Amdursky@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 2229 387
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 10-15 days after the advert closure. This will consist of an Interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week following the advert closure. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Louise Brown-Leng.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.
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