Research Fellow in Enzyme-based Plastics Degradation Full-time

Research Fellow In Enzyme-based Plastics Degradation

Applications are invited for a PDRA to work in the groups of Helen Hailes in the Department of Chemistry and Jack Jeffries in Biochemical Engineering at University College London. The Comfort Loop: A systems approach for sustainable absorbent hygiene products is an UKRI-funded project aimed at developing ways to understand whether industrial composting of biodegradable hygiene products or recycling is the most sustainable option. Combining a multidisciplinary team, the project connects our research expertise in aspects including polymer biodegradability, life cycle analysis (LCA), behaviour of the public, and materials design. The project is part of the UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub which is an interface between researchers and the public.

The aim of this component of the project is to develop the results from our analysis of different biodegradable plastics to consider how the disposal and biodegradation of hygiene products could create a sustainable system. In particular, we will develop microbial and enzyme-based strategies, for the effective degradation of compostable hygiene products containing biodegradable plastics. The multidisciplinary position will be carried out in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering at UCL.

The UCL Department of Chemistry has international strengths in the development of new reaction methodologies, biocatalysis, and chemical biology. The UCL Department of Biochemical Engineering is one of the leading international centres for synthetic biology and bioprocess research in the Industrial Biotechnology sector.

The research is highly interdisciplinary and the postholder will be required to use enzymes to perform plastic degradation reactions under a range of reaction conditions. They will also develop biofragmentation screens using analytical chemistry methods. The postholder will work in a multi-disciplinary environment with members of the Plastic Waste Hub so excellent team-working and communication skills will be required. The postholder will also monitor lab safety.

The position is funded by UKRI (EPSRC) for up to 4 months. The candidate will join Helen Hailes' research team in the Department of Chemistry, and Jack Jeffries team in the Department of Biochemical Engineering at the Bloomsbury Campus, and Manufacturing Futures Laboratory at UCL East, of University College London.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in an area of Biocatalysis, Chemical Biology, or equivalent subject. Experience in several of the following areas: enzyme expression and screening, assay development and compound characterisation, together with a demonstrated commitment to excellence, and excellent problem solving skills in the lab are required. They will be required to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team and have effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

At UCL Chemistry we are dedicated to the Athena SWAN Charter for women in science, recognising the commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

The department was successfully awarded a Bronze Award in 2016 and Silver Award in 2020, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.