Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

University of Nottingham - Biodiscovery Institute

Placed On: 18th February 2026

Closes: 16th March 2026

Job Ref: MED040626

We are excited to welcome applications for a postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to join us at the Nottingham Engineering Biology Labs at the University of Nottingham, as a key member of the Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub (C-Loop)!

This is an exceptional opportunity to do exciting, high-impact research as part of a major new UK research and innovation hub. C-Loop is pioneering use of Engineering Biology technologies to 'bio-upcycle' industrial wastes by capturing and reusing the embedded carbon in sustainable biomanufacturing processes. These approaches have huge potential for the transition from fossil carbon towards a sustainable net-zero future, as well as growth and sustainability of the UK economy and beyond.

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/c-loop-ukri

C-Loop is a collaborative, multidisciplinary consortium spanning six UK academic institutions with many industrial partners. This is an excellent career and professional network development opportunity for the successful candidates.

About the role

The Research Associate/Fellow will work on research led by Prof John Heap, using Engineering Biology approaches and focusing on the C-Loop work package on bio-upcycling of fermentation wastes including C1 substrates using a microbial waste-to-products engineered coculture platform. The work will involve C1-consuming microorganisms including photoautotrophs. The post builds on established work and strengths in our lab and involves collaboration with our partners in the C-Loop consortium. The successful candidates will be part of a large team of staff and students tackling ambitious objectives leading to excellent outputs and impacts, with the opportunity to support and mentor more junior researchers. We develop future leaders here.

About us

We are passionate about impact, so as well as doing and publishing excellent research, we often work with industry and undertake all steps of the innovation pipeline from ideation and invention through to commercialisation: developing IP including patents, licensing technology to industry, and founding start-up companies to drive impact. This role and our research environment provide great opportunities for candidates interested in these aspects.

We are based in the excellent Biodiscovery Institute, the University of Nottingham’s flagship 800-researcher research complex on the leafy University Park campus. This very well-equipped and well-resourced facility is the perfect home for our Nottingham Engineering Biology Labs (NEBL) research cluster. Drone tour video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1-pyWQTDTQ

NEBL is a friendly, inclusive and supportive research environment, with a great positive culture. We are proud that both the University of Nottingham and our home School of Life Sciences hold Athena Swan Gold awards for advancing gender equality.

Employment details

The advertised post is a full-time role (36.5 hours weekly), available on a fixed-term basis for three years in the first instance, with the possibility for extension. Arrangements for job shares may be considered.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof John Heap john.heap@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.