Research Assistant / Associate in Textile Ecosystem Design and Analysis

Salary: 

Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum, pro rata

Research Associate: £33,966 per annum, pro rata

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 23 May 2024

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic researcher to join the Living Textiles Research Group in the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment to identify, evaluate and map the regional textiles ecosystem in Northern England. This role contributes to the BBSRC funded Enzymatic Upcycling of Textile Waste into Biodegradable Mycelium Leather project.

Textile waste remains a significant problem in the UK with a considerable proportion of textiles disposed of in landfill or via incineration. The Enzymatic Upcycling project aims to develop a new, biologically based, efficient fabrication process for bio-based textiles using enzymes that are capable of degrading waste textiles into a low-cost substrate for the production of mycelium leather.

We are looking for a self-motivated and adaptable researcher to identify sources of textile waste located in Northern England, and to assess their suitability for development as a feedstock for our innovative mycelium leather production. The research work will include desk-based research, literature searches, analysis of public domain information, alongside site visits, industry engagement and stakeholder interviews to map current production, disposal and recycling strategies across the region.

The researcher will contribute to the design and delivery of written and visual publications including a review that outlines the regional surplus textile waste.

Some knowledge of textiles is essential, and knowledge or experience of biodesign or biotechnology would be welcome but is not essential . Experience engaging with industry would be welcome though not essential. The successful candidate will join the Living Textiles Research Group, and work with the BBSRC Enzymatic Upcycling team. The candidate will work alongside science and design teams to design and deliver written and visual documentation to outline the regional surplus textiles and its suitability as a feedstock for mycelium leather.

Along with the standard application documents (including CV and cover letter) applicants are asked to provide a ‘portfolio of projects’ which evidence data visualisation and visual mapping skills and a track record in research.

The nature of this role will require the successful candidate to work predominantly on the campus.

The post is part time 50% FTE and fixed term for six months, starting as soon as possible.  

Informal queries to: Dr Jane Scott, [email protected] .