Research Associate (Internal Only)

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University is one of Aston University’s flagship research institutes. EBRI boasts a vibrant team of experienced and young researchers, and the successful candidate will join a team exploring research in aspects of bioenergy and sustainable chemicals. This position offers the unique opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary setting consisting of both academic and non-academic partners. We are proud to provide a supportive environment for early career researchers and offer mentoring/shadowing and other development opportunities to support staff in transitioning to new roles. 

Applications are invited for a Research Associate (3 months FT) position in the Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals Group within EBRI.  This role involves investigating the pre-processing and application of pyrolysis for the conversion of hemp stalk biomass to produce biochar. The impact of co-pyrolysis of the hemp stalk with sewage sludge and farm manure on biochar yields and quality will also be evaluated. 

For this role, the researcher will carry out laboratory-based pyrolysis investigations of pre-processed (size reduction and pelletisation) biomass feedstocks using existing pyrolysis equipment in EBRI to produced biochar, along with pyrolysis liquids and gaseous products. The role will involve detailed analytical characterisation of feedstock and reaction products, and mass and energy balances calculations. The optimised data will be shared with industrial partners and used to inform field trials for hemp cultivation.  

 What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities. 

See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent