"Research Associate in Bioprocessing"

Research Associate in Bioprocessing

Imperial College London - Department of Chemical Engineering

Placed On: 5th March 2026
Closes: 3rd April 2026
Job Ref: ENG03644

Location:
South Kensington Campus

About the role:
In close collaboration with the Ledesma group and BASF, we are seeking a Research Associate to join the Innovative Continuous Manufacturing of Industrial Chemicals (IConIC) consortium. The main aim of this Prosperity Partnership is to translate the UK’s scientific leadership in Flow (Bio)Chemistry into industrial leadership and commercial value; to realise a step change in the implementation of continuous flow processing for the manufacture of high-value (bio)chemicals.

What you would be doing:
You will carry out a research project on the sustainable production of carotenoids employing the yeast Y. lipolytica. You will help increase the current titers through process parameter optimisation and develop a multi sensor flask system to accelerate scale-up data collection. You will focus on the development of continuous fermentation and separation strategies to increase productivity. Based on high fidelity data collected you will scale up production/separation processes to 120L. You will participate in accompanying techno economic analysis and life cycle assessment to understand the business opportunities that may arise.

What we are looking for:

• You must hold a Ph.D. in (bio)chemical engineering, (bio)process engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Practical experience in fermentation processes, ideally with yeasts, and product separation.
• Knowledge of bioreaction engineering and appreciation of material balances (substrate, product, nutrients etc.).
• Experience of interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Experience in experimental design and fermentation data analysis
• Desire to work in a fast-paced impact driven environment.
• A well organized, communicative, and resilient personality.

What we can offer you:

• Work closely and collaborate with established industrial partners as well as fast moving innovative start-ups.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• IP generation, protection and ownership in the sustainable production of bio-derived performance chemicals.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information
This is a full-time post (37 hours per week).
This role is for a fixed-term contract for 18 months.
*Please note, you will be appointed at Research Assistant level (£43,003- £46,297 if you are yet to receive your PhD.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Professor Klaus Hellgardt – k.hellgardt@imperial.ac.uk.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.