Research Associate (SS13806) - Bath, BA2 7AY

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Research Associate for a 6-month post as part of the BBSRC / STFC funded BIOSCENT (Bio-Inspired Optimisation of Surfactant/fragrance Chemistry by Exploitation of Novel Technologies) – a project to redefine sustainable laundry formulation.

BIOSCENT is a collaboration between the University of Bath and Unilever plc, including STFC Hartree and Diamond facilities, aiming to advance the fundamental science of fragrance delivery in detergent systems, a key driver of consumer experience. The key challenge is to understand how detergent molecules, including more sustainable biosurfactants, organise and interact with fragrance molecules, in different parts of the fabric washing cycle; and to translate these mechanisms into practical formulation design rules. The project targets these goals using cutting edge experimental and computational methods, with the ultimate aim of replacing petrochemical surfactants with biosurfactant alternatives, and reducing fragrance oil required, through more efficient delivery. As Unilever is one of the largest global producers of laundry products, the advances in this project can make a real difference in lowering environmental impact of the home care sector.

We are looking for a researcher in physical chemistry / soft materials, to lead the experimental workpackage at Bath in the laboratory of Adam Squires (PI). The work will involve development of new experimental methods and models to understand the self-assembly of biosurfactants; their interactions with fragrance molecules in micelles and on surfaces; and the energetics and kinetics of adsorption, encapsulation and release of fragrance molecules as influenced by the surfactants.

The researcher will devise and carry out experiments using small-angle X-ray scattering, in the University of Bath and the Diamond Light Source, for structural characterisation of micelles in solution and layers on surfaces. These will be combined with complementary techniques using QCM-D and GC-MS headspace analysis to quantify adsorption on to surface and release into vapour respectively, to build up a thermodynamic model to understand the processes underpinning fragrance behaviour in laundry processes.

The project includes two visits to the Diamond Light Source (B21 and labSAXS beamlines) and collaboration with scientists at Diamond and Unilever. The researcher will design experiments; obtain, analyse and interpret data; and present the work in seminars, conferences and publications.

The role will also involve working with the other scientists in the research group (3 PhD students; undergraduate project students), and helping to maintain a supportive, respectful and inclusive working environment.

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

You must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants who have submitted a thesis in this area and have not yet had their viva will also be considered.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Small-angle X-ray scattering
• Surfactant self-assembly
• Soft matter / formulation

You should also be able to demonstrate ability in:

• High level scientific writing and presentation
• Data analysis and modelling (coding advantageous)
• Independent project planning and delivery

Broader Skills:

• Ability to learn new techniques quickly
• Problem solving
• Collaborative teamworking

This is a six month full time position (36.5 hours per week).

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 equity and intersectionality receiving Silver Athena SWAN awards at both the departmental (Chemistry) and University levels. 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’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.

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:

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• 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
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including: Staff support groups and networks, a network of Staff Wellbeing Champions, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.

Closing Date: 27 Jul 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049