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- Tasks: Join a team to develop innovative water treatment processes using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Lancaster University is a top research institution known for excellence in engineering and environmental studies.
- Benefits: Enjoy 39 days off, competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a project funded by OFWAT until September 2026.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful research that addresses global water challenges while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates have an Meng, MChem, or equivalent, with research experience in water processing and analytical chemistry.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Lancaster's School of Engineering is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join an ambitious project funded by OFWAT (The Water Services Regulation Authority) to develop a new water treatment process for removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using novel magnetic composites. This is a full-time post, with funding until 30 September 2026, ideally to start in June 2025.
Role Responsibilities
- Progressing the development of our new process, which uses novel magneto-composites, with selected compositions, particle sizes and exchange properties, to remove the DOC.
- Optimising DOC removal through design/construction of a flow unit at various experimental scales, encompassing understanding of the underlying physical chemistry and transport phenomena.
- Working with our Management specialist to develop business and service models from technical and economic perspectives to support process scale-up and expansion.
- Writing up the research findings for publication and presentations to key stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Meng, MChem qualification or equivalent and preferably PhD or equivalent professional experience.
- Experimental research experience, preferably in water processing, fundamental knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques and process scale-up.
About Lancaster University
Lancaster is a research-intensive university. REF 2021 rated 99% of Lancaster's overall research environment as 4 'world leading' or 3 'internationally excellent'. This study, which is based at the School of Engineering, is in collaboration with Lancaster Environmental Centre, Management School and University of Bristol. The School of Engineering is internationally recognised for its high-quality teaching and research across various engineering disciplines. It has a history of excellence in research, with 95% of its research being rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with annual reviews.
- Generous employer pension scheme.
- 39 days off a year which includes University closure days at Easter and Christmas and bank holidays.
- A family-friendly approach to those with parental or caring responsibilities.
- Additional flexible benefits to suit your needs and interests, some with tax-savings.
As one of our research team, you will benefit from:
- A bespoke researcher induction and development programme to help you settle in and build your internal network.
- Our varied organisational development programme to expand your research, engagement and teaching skills.
- 10 researcher development day entitlement under the Researcher Development Concordat.
- A supportive environment with reduced teaching workload to enable easier transition to lectureship roles.
Diversity and Inclusion
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
Research Associate in Process Engineering employer: jobs24.co.uk
Contact Detail:
jobs24.co.uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Process Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of process engineering and water treatment. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet researchers and industry experts who might provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in water treatment technologies, particularly those involving magnetic composites. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with Lancaster University's research outputs and publications related to the School of Engineering. Understanding their current projects and methodologies can give you a competitive edge when discussing your fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how your previous experimental research experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Be ready to share specific examples of your work in water processing or analytical chemistry that showcase your skills and problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Process Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Research Associate position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences in water processing and analytical chemistry.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experimental research experience you have, particularly in water treatment processes. Mention specific projects or techniques you've worked with that align with the role's focus on dissolved organic carbon removal.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that connects your background to the project’s goals. Discuss your understanding of physical chemistry and transport phenomena, and how your skills can contribute to the development of the new water treatment process.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for clarity and correctness. Ensure that your documents are free from typos and grammatical errors, as attention to detail is crucial in research roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at jobs24.co.uk
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the objectives of the OFWAT-funded project. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the development of the new water treatment process and the use of novel magnetic composites.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Highlight your experimental research experience, particularly in water processing and analytical chemistry techniques. Be ready to provide specific examples of past projects where you successfully optimised processes or conducted relevant experiments.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in research settings.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Anticipate technical questions related to physical chemistry and transport phenomena. Brush up on key concepts and be ready to explain how they apply to the optimisation of DOC removal in water treatment processes.