Research Associate in Manufacturing of Sustainable Microcapsules (KP13466)

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated Research Associate, with an interest in working at the interface of biopolymer chemistry and process engineering.

This project aims to develop an innovative continuous manufacturing process for biodegradable cellulose-based microcapsules to replace fossil fuel-based plastic microcapsules used in a wide range of personal and consumer products responsible for polluting the environment as part of the SCHEMA HUB . 

Microcapsules are used in a wide range of personal care and consumer goods where they provide added value to products. However, they contribute heavily to plastic pollution in our oceans and soil, damaging the environment and ending up in the human food supply chain with potentially damaging health effects. 

This is a collaborative project with Naturbeads ltd, a company that manufactures biodegradable microspheres.

The project will involve:

Functionalising cellulose feedstocks to for stable capsule wallsFabricating microcapsules in a continuous process, e.g. using membrane emulsificationInvestigate capsule formulation, stability and controlled payload release.

The ideal candidate will have:

A PhD in biopolymer chemistry, preferably cellulose chemistry.Knowledge of biopolymer chemistry, functionalisation and physicochemical characterisation. Specific expertise on cellulose is desirable but not essential.Prior knowledge of microcapsule fabrication and formulation is desirable but not essential.Prior experience or a demonstrable interest in working at the interface of biopolymer chemistry and process engineering and a willingness to learn.Good organisational and presentation skills.The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment.Further information:

This position is offered full time, fixed term for 18 months from June 2026. Part time working and/or some degree of flexible working may be possible and if interested in applying on this basis you should make this clear on your application form.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Professor Davide Mattia on d.mattia@bath.ac.uk. 

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

                                         

Closing Date: 08 Apr 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049