At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project developing sustainable biocatalytic processes and high-value chemicals.
- Company: Dynamic university research team focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, health services, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong support for diversity and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in green manufacturing and contribute to exciting scientific advancements.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in laboratory research and biocatalysis.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 47389 £ per year.
Salary £32,080 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD).
Area: Chemical & Environmental Engineering
Location: University Park
Closing Date: Monday 05 October 2026
Reference: ENG2092926
About The Role
Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow position to join an exciting research project focused on developing sustainable biocatalytic processes. The project will investigate the creation of novel wool-based supports for enzyme immobilisation and their application in the synthesis of high-value chemicals, including terpene esters and pharmaceutical intermediates. The successful candidate will design, prepare and characterise enzyme-support materials, evaluate their catalytic performance, and explore their use in a range of biotransformations. The role will also involve analysing reaction performance, interpreting experimental data, and contributing to publications and future funding opportunities. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the interface of materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology, contributing to the development of green manufacturing technologies. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week) offered on a fixed-term contract.
About The Team
You will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group with expertise spanning biocatalysis, sustainable chemistry, reaction engineering and materials development. The team provides a collaborative and supportive environment that values innovation, diversity, and scientific excellence. The successful candidate will work closely with academic colleagues and research students and will have opportunities to contribute to mentoring and training activities within the group.
About You
Candidates should hold, or be close to obtaining, a PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Materials Science, or a related discipline. You should be able to demonstrate:
- Experience in laboratory-based research and experimental design.
- Knowledge of biocatalysis, enzyme immobilisation, or related areas.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with chemical or biochemical characterisation techniques.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
What We Offer
Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays and University closure days, including the Christmas and New Year period. Staff benefit from access to training and professional development opportunities, career progression support, and a wide range of health and wellbeing services. Additional benefits include staff discounts, travel schemes, fitness and recreational facilities, and participation in a vibrant international research community. We are proud to foster an environment where innovation, collaboration, and individual development are encouraged and valued.
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme. We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process. Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
Research Associate/Fellow in Continuous Production of Terpene Esters from Flower Waste (Fixed term) in Nottingham employer: University Of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is an exceptional employer for those passionate about academia, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on professional development, faculty members are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge research while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment in a culturally rich location. This role not only provides opportunities for personal growth but also allows you to make a significant impact in the field of Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Fellow in Continuous Production of Terpene Esters from Flower Waste (Fixed term) in Nottingham
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University Of Nottingham. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University Of Nottingham!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Fellow in Continuous Production of Terpene Esters from Flower Waste (Fixed term) in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University Of Nottingham that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University Of Nottingham.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University Of Nottingham does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Nottingham
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University Of Nottingham. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University Of Nottingham's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University Of Nottingham. This shows your passion for the industry!
