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Research Assistant in Sustainable Marine Biomass Processing

Details


1109308


Canterbury Christ Church University


13/04/2026


Other - See Job


20 hours per week; 13/04/26 - 05/06/26


Casual

Pay


£15.00


£1.81

Description

Role
Canterbury Christ Church University is seeking a Research Assistant to support an industry-funded laboratory project focused on sustainable processing of marine biomass. The project will involve developing and evaluating a low-severity chemical extraction approach to recover valuable mineral and biopolymer fractions from seaweed. The work will be conducted at bench scale within our laboratory facilities at Discovery Park and will focus on experimental method development, optimisation of separation conditions, and analytical quantification of recovered materials. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a chemistry or bioprocessing graduate seeking applied laboratory experience within a commercially oriented research project.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct laboratory experiments under supervision to evaluate extraction and separation conditions
  • Prepare and process biomass samples using controlled wet-chemistry methods
  • Assist in the development of bench-scale protocols
  • Perform analytical measurements to determine yield and purity of recovered fractions
  • Record experimental data accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
  • Contribute to technical summaries and internal reports
  • Maintain laboratory safety and compliance standards
  • Specific chemical approaches and process objectives are commercially sensitive and will be shared with the successful candidate under confidentiality arrangements.

Skills and experience

Essential Requirements
  • Minimum BSc (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Science or related discipline
  • Practical laboratory experience (e.g., undergraduate project, placement year, or industrial lab experience)
  • Basic knowledge of wet chemistry and separation techniques
  • Strong organisational and record-keeping skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a small project team
Desirable
  • Experience with analytical techniques (e.g., titration, UV-Vis, FTIR, gravimetric methods, basic chromatography)
  • Interest in sustainable materials or bio-based processing
  • Experience working in a regulated or industry-linked environment

Location
Discovery Park, Sandwich

Benefits
Practical hands-on lab experience, experience working on an industry-funded project, skills in chemical extraction and separation, experience recording and analysing data, exposure to commercial research and innovation, support and mentoring from experienced researchers, strong experience for future MSc, PhD or industry roles.

Additional information

About the Project Environment
The position will be based at CCCU’s facilities at Discovery Park, a growing life sciences and innovation campus. The project forms part of a commercial collaboration focused on environmentally responsible process development.
 
This is a fixed-term position linked to a defined project with potential for extension depending on project outcomes and future funding.
 
Interview date
To be confirmed.

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