Research Associate in Waste-to-Microbial Protein research

Job title:

Research Associate in Waste-to-Microbial Protein research

Company

King’s College London

Job description

About usThis role will be located at Department of Engineering, King College London Strand Campus.Recently re-founded, the Department of Engineering is rapidly expanding into a world-class research and teaching department. Research currently focuses on robotics, telecommunications and biomedical engineering, but we are looking to establish new research themes.We offer both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, with a distinctive approach, combining both traditional teaching methods with modern, project-based learning, catering for the needs of our students and the industries in which they will work.As a new department we have invested in new laboratories and maker space at the centre of the Strand campus in the heart of central London.For more information:About the roleThis post holder will join a cross-disciplinary research project ‘TRANSFORM ‘Waste-to-Microbial-Protein’ funded by Good Food Institute (GFI). The project will harness the advancement in computational modelling and develop new tools and knowledge on optimised, scalable and sustainable mycoprotein fermentation based on low-cost, food-grade alternative carbon sourced from lignocellulosic polysaccharides and retailer liquid waste. By combining experiments and modelling research, the project will map out the global food-grade sustainable carbon from crop residues and contribute new knowledge on the selected fungal strain growth in response to varying carbon sources.The project will develop a software to automate data processing, machine learning model selection and optimisation and enable end-users to design and optimise microbial protein solutions with minimal user intervention. The position holder will have the opportunity to work together with industry partners to engage wider stakeholders in academic-industry co-creation and advance the understanding of the feasibility and sustainability of the protein fermentation.The key responsibilities of the post holder include :

• Develop machine learning models to map out the resource potential of sustainable sugar-rich waste streams (e.g. lignocellulosic polysaccharides and retailer waste).
• To collaborate with team members and develop mechanistic models to simulate microbial synthesis to produce protein from complex sugar sources.
• To develop a simulation-optimisation tool to automate data-handling, model construction and optimisation and inform microbial protein technology scale-up.
• To efficiently plan and manage own research activities and collaborate with others; write up research work for publications
• To collaborate with wider academic and industrial partners on knowledge transfer activities.
• Attend and contribute to internal research meetings and project meetings.
• To present the research in conferences and industrial-focused workshops and events.
• To communicate research effectively with wider audience.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week).About youTo be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:Essential criteria1. Knowledge in machine learning and mathematical optimization2. Understanding of fermentation process3. Proficient in programming in OOP (object oriented programming) environment4. Excellent skills in communication and presentation5. Capability in independent research6. Capability in collaboration in dynamic and cross-disciplinary environment7. Highly motivated and enthusiastic to deliver research within timeline8. PhD qualified in relevant subject area (or pending results)Desirable criteria1. PhD in Chemical Engineering2. Research experiences in process systems engineering3. Academic writing skills and experience in research proposal development4. Understanding of analytical experimentsDownloading a copy of our Job DescriptionFull details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.Further InformationWe pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ ‘ pages.We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

Expected salary

£43205 per year

Location

Strand, Central London

Job date

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:02:07 GMT

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