Research Associate/Fellow in Continuous Production of Terpene Esters from Flower Waste (fixed term) (ENG

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/ Fellow position to join an exciting collaborative project funded by the Supergen Bioenergy Hub. 

The aim of this project is to investigate the potential of flower waste as an alternative feedstock to produce terpene-based chemicals. This will involves using flower extracts from waste flower streams obtained from Bridge Farm (horticulture farm in Spalding) as starting material to enzymatically produce terpene esters. The reaction scale-up will then be tested in a spinning mesh disc reactor. Reaction kinetics will be established for both batch and continuous systems. The experimental data will contribute to developing an initial techno-economic evaluation to test the feasibility of utilising flower waste as feedstock. 

The project outcome is a first step towards decarbonising fragrance formulations for home and personal care products. The appointed candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team and will be expected to liaise efficiently between collaborative scientists and external companies. 

Candidates must hold or expect to shortly obtain a PhD, or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar Science / Engineering degree and/ or have a background in terpene chemistry or a closely related discipline. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical experience of synthesis techniques relevant to producing terpene esters, use of the relevant characterisation and analytical techniques to quantify the reaction yield and have an interest in testing reaction scale-up in a novel reactor configuration. Relevant training will be provided to address any knowledge gap related to scale-up studies. You will join a dynamic and diverse research group and will be expected to participate in research group meetings, contribute to training and mentoring PhD and MEng research project students in the group.

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract until 31 July 2026. There is potential for extension subject to funding.

Closing Date: 20 Jun 2025 Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)