Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering

This project is a collaboration between the Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham and seeks to develop new routes for the manufacture of predatory bacteria for use as a ‘living antibiotic'. Working closely with Dr Jess Tyson at the University of Nottingham, we will jointly develop methods for the production and purification of these predatory bacteria and test their efficacy.

The main objectives are:

• To develop and optimize new routes for the production of predatory bacteria
• To develop fermentation, downstream processing and analytical techniques in order to generate a whole-process workflow for the production of predatory bacteria
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary research team with researchers at the University of Nottingham to fulfil the project objectives
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required

Person Specification

• First degree in science or engineering discipline relevant to the project and PhD (either awarded or thesis handed in and awaiting viva) in area relevant to fermentation / bioprocessing
• Prior knowledge, experience and achievements in optimisation and development of fermentation of non-model bacteria
• Prior knowledge, experience and achievements in optimisation and development of downstream processing using non-model bacteria
• Prior knowledge, experience and achievements in optimisation and development of downstream processing of non-protein products
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary, multi-centre team on a research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort