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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project in AI and sustainability, developing metabolic models and machine learning algorithms.
- Company: Loughborough University, a leader in research and innovation with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive salary, hybrid working, and access to top-notch facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of biorefineries and contribute to a circular bioeconomy.
- Qualifications: Experience in computational biology, machine learning, and data analysis is essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with top universities and industry partners in a dynamic, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 46049 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join an exciting UKRI-funded project titled “AI-Driven Metabolic Modelling and Sustainability Assessment for Next-Generation Biorefineries.” The project aims to accelerate the design of sustainable biorefineries by leveraging computational biology and artificial intelligence to optimise microbial strain engineering and bioprocess strategies for converting agro-industrial residues into high-value chemicals.
The successful candidate will:
- Develop genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) for engineered microbial strains.
- Design and implement machine learning algorithms to predict strain performance and optimise metabolic pathways.
- Integrate multi-omics datasets into computational workflows for systems-level analysis.
- Perform techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) using tools such as Aspen Plus, openLCA, and BioSTEAM.
You will work within a multidisciplinary consortium of three leading UK universities and two industrial partners, contributing to the UK’s transition toward a circular bioeconomy. The role offers access to Loughborough University’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) facilities, including the Lovelace cluster and regional Tier-2 resources, supporting large-scale computational modelling and machine learning tasks. The position is full-time and fixed-term for 24 months. Salary will be on Specialist and Supporting Academic Grade 6, from £35,608 - £46,049 per annum.
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
- Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Research Associate in Computational Biology and Machine Learning in Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Computational Biology and Machine Learning in Loughborough
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to computational biology and machine learning. We recommend sharing it on platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn to grab the attention of potential employers.
✨Ace the Interview
When you get that interview, prepare to shine! Research the company and the project they’re working on. We suggest practising common interview questions and even some technical ones related to metabolic modelling and AI. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We’ve got a fantastic range of opportunities waiting for you on our website. Make sure to apply directly through us to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values innovation and sustainability!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Computational Biology and Machine Learning in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Associate in Computational Biology and Machine Learning. Highlight relevant experience, especially in developing genome-scale metabolic models and machine learning algorithms. We want to see how your skills align with our exciting project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable biorefineries and how your background fits into our multidisciplinary team. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for the role come through – we love that!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially those related to computational biology, machine learning, and tools like Aspen Plus or openLCA. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in computational biology and machine learning. Familiarise yourself with genome-scale metabolic models and the tools mentioned in the job description, like Aspen Plus and openLCA. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving machine learning algorithms or multi-omics datasets. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and practical experience.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the project and the team. Inquire about the collaboration between universities and industrial partners, or ask how they envision the role contributing to the circular bioeconomy. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their multidisciplinary team. Be enthusiastic about the role and share your vision for how you can contribute to the project’s success.
