Research Associate (CH12967) – Bath, BA2 7AY

Overview

Research Associate (CH12967) – Bath, BA2 7AY

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated researcher, with an interest in working at the interface of chemistry and reactor design & development. The vision of this project is taking a promising new reactor technology, the Spinning Mesh Disc Reactor (SMDR) from the lab into industry to enable commercialisation of resource efficient chemistry to align with the UK NetZero 2050. 

This project will harness the advantages of the SMDR to develop three case studies to scale-up resource efficient chemistry demonstrating: (i) enzyme catalysis, (ii) photochemical synthesis and (iii) plastic recycling. Enzymes, due to their selectivity show promise to synthesise complex chemicals at ambient conditions, including pharmaceuticals, Visible light allow for the direct conversion of solar energy into chemical energy as it removes the need to use photovoltaic devices to generate electricity for use in heating in chemical synthesis. Thirdly, catalytic breakdown of plastics into their constituent monomers can be reused to develop products, with properties that match those of virgin polymer. 

The PDRA will work closely with other researchers from the department of Chemistry, the Institute for Mathematical Innovation and at the University of Nottingham. There is also an industrial advisory board to provide a commercial perspective. 

About you

To be successful in this role you will be able to demonstrate the following:

• A PhD in a relevant subject area.
• Extensive lab experience, preferably with catalytic reaction systems.
• Prior experience or a demonstrable interest in working at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering and a willingness to learn.
• Good organisational and presentation skills.

Further information

This position is offered fixed term until 30th September 2027. Part time working and/or some degree of flexible working may be possible and if interested in applying on this basis you should make this clear on your application form.

Please ensure you submit your application via our website. Please note that during initial shortlisting, the panel can only see your application form and your answers to the shortlisting questions; they cannot see your attachments (e.g. your CV).

For informal questions about the role, please contact Dr Emma Emanuelsson at eaep20@bath.ac.uk.

Interviews will take place between 10 and 12 September. 

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you:

We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

 

Closing Date: 26 Aug 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413