Research Fellow in Membrane Science and Technology

Cranfield University - Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Location:	Bedfordshire, Cranfield
Salary:	£37,897 to £42,100 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 23rd February 2026
Closes: 8th March 2026
Job Ref: 5244

Fixed Term Contract for 7 months
Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 to £42,100 per annum
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

We welcome applications from experienced membrane technologists and membrane materials scientists to join our team.

About the Role

Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are essential for desalination and water reuse, providing selective separation of contaminants to produce high-quality water. However, the current polymer-based RO membranes present operational challenges. They are sensitive to cleaning chemicals, have limited tolerance to feedwater composition, and cannot operate intermittently, all of which restrict performance and reduce membrane lifespan.

Cranfield is developing a new generation of inorganic 2D material-based RO membranes designed to offer far greater chemical and physical robustness. Their unique geometry aims to deliver a disruptive alternative to existing technologies in a rapidly expanding global RO market.

The successful candidate will join an established Cranfield team advancing this 2D membrane technology and work closely with international collaborators, focused on accelerating its commercialisation. The project’s ambition is distinctive: to progress from fundamental materials science to a commercial-scale module within the project timeframe. As part of this effort, the successful candidate will contribute across membrane preparation, synthesis, scale-up, system design and characterisation, with responsibilities tailored to their experience.

This is a rare opportunity to play a meaningful role in creating a next-generation membrane technology with clear commercial potential.

Support towards visa costs can be provided for this position.

About You

You will have a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related discipline. Extensive knowledge in membrane materials science and/or membrane systems operation and diagnostics is essential. Candidates must have a proven ability in the design, build and construction of laboratory testing equipment, as well as undertaking extensive laboratory-based experimental research.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme.We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Ewan McAdam, on (E): e.mcadam@cranfield.ac.uk

To apply please click above 'Apply' Button. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5244.

Closing date: 8 March 2026

www.cranfield.ac.uk