Chemical Fermentation Biotechnology Microbiologist, Dry Digestion KTP Associate

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

This new full-time post is immediately available for 24 months on a fixed term basis.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Exeter and will be based at Qube’s premises in Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Qube are a small company based in a rural setting. The successful candidate must be able to get to Qube’s offices independently as there are no public transport links, and they must also be able to travel regularly to Qube’s dry digestion development sites in India.

Due to the business needs of the role, the applicant needs to be able to start work (or start a visa application if needed) before the 16th of June 2023.

The role:

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a 24-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Qube Renewables Ltd. The KTP will create a new optimisation capability for Qube’s novel dry biogas digestors.  

Company Information:

Qube Renewables is an innovative, disruptive technology company specialising in the waste to energy sector.  We are experts in niche, small scale anaerobic digestion technology converting locally occurring biodegradable waste streams into energy to provide heat, power, and fertiliser. We design, manufacture, install and remotely support our systems, and work closely with local operatives to optimise, monitor and maintain the units.

Qualification / skills we require:

• An upper second or first class degree and/or Masters (or PhD at Grade F) in microbiology, molecular biology or fermentation/chemical engineering, or a related field of study.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to India.
• A strong practical background with experience of designing and performing laboratory experiments, planning and execution.
• Relevant experience in biogas and anaerobic digestion, and/or experience of running batch and CTSE biogas reactors in industry and experience in pre-treatment technologies.
• High levels of adaptability and the capacity to drive forward a project in a dynamic and rapidly changing context.
• Exceptional self-management, communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to present their work to a wide variety of audiences.

Benefits:

• A £4,000 training budget with 10% of your working time dedicated to personal development.
• A unique and challenging career opportunity, working with both industry and academia.

• The successful applicant will develop a wide range of industrial and research skills for their future career, utilising the skills and knowledge of company supervisors, as well as benefitting from continuous academic support.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr Richard Tennant, Senior Research Fellow in the Exeter Microbial Biofuels Group, 01392 723105, [email protected] or Jo Clayton, CEO at Qube Renewables, [email protected].