Research Associate in Sustainable Protein-Based Films for Agricultural Applications

The University of Sheffield is offering a fully funded two-year Postdoctoral position for a Research Associate in Sustainable Protein-Based Films for Agricultural Applications. The role focuses on developing biodegradable films from protein-rich waste, aiming to provide sustainable alternatives to plastics in agriculture. Candidates should be passionate about sustainability and possess skills in protein extraction, materials science, and green chemistry. The position is full-time and located in Sheffield, UK.
We have an exciting Postdoctoral opportunity at the University of Sheffield: Sustainable Protein-Based Films for Agricultural Applications! This is a fully funded two-year position that can be extended for two more years.

We are looking for someone passionate about sustainability, biopolymers, and cutting-edge materials science! Join our innovative project, hosted at the prestigious University of Sheffield, under the supervision of Prof. Nadav Amdursky. This exciting research will explore the development of biodegradable, protein-based films from waste side-streams, providing environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics used in agriculture.

Project Overview: Plastics in agriculture cause significant environmental damage, including microplastic contamination of soils. This project aims to revolutionise agricultural practices by repurposing protein-rich side streams into fully biodegradable, functionalised films. The project combines materials science, biotechnology, and circular economy principles, making it an excellent fit for Research Associates who want to work at the cutting edge of sustainable materials development.

Skills and Techniques Involved and Required:
• Protein extraction and polymerisation techniques.
• Advanced characterisation methods to study the films' mechanical properties, biodegradability, and nutrient release.
• Green chemistry approaches for the development of sustainable materials.
• Analytical and measurement techniques for material structure and functionality, including surface characterisation, water vapor permeability, and biodegradation rates.

The project is highly interdisciplinary, with applications across environmental science, materials engineering, and agriculture. You will also receive training in techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment to ensure the materials developed are scalable, affordable, and environmentally sound.

You will be joining a vibrant, supportive, and internationally recognised research group at the University of Sheffield, a leader in sustainability research. Under the guidance of Prof. Nadav Amdursky, an expert in protein-based materials, you will be exposed to world-class expertise in the development and application of bio-based polymers.