KTP Associate in Byproduct valorisation

Salary: Fixed £28,500

Contract: Fixed term 24 months

Location: Predominantly based at Scottish Leather Group’s facility at Bridge of Weir

About our Team

Professor Willoughby and Dr Stewart’s research group is based within the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Our research focuses heavily on the valorisation of by-products and wastes from manufacturing processes, with a particular interest in the recovery of nutritionally or functionally valuable protein.

The Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering comprises 30+ research groups currently supported by a number of substantial awards across the full range of funding bodies including MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, STFC in addition to TSB, EU, Wellcome Trust, CRUK, Medical Research Scotland and learned societies. Excellent facilities are available in biochemistry, cell biology, imaging at all scales using multiple cutting edge methods, tissue engineering and bioprocessing as well as the necessary infrastructure to enable cross-disciplinary collaboration

The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. Our research ranges from fundamental sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around 150 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in 5 research institutes: theInstitute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics & BioEngineering, the Institute of Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering and the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems.

Heriot-Watt has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in championing employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics.

We continue to welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Heriot-Watt.

Detailed Description

We are looking for a KTP Associate with a background in biochemistry, biochemical engineering or bioprocessing to join Heriot-Watt University (HWU) and Scottish Leather Group Ltd. (SLG) to drive a collaborative project developing a process for the recovery of functional, soluble edible-grade protein from leather manufacturing by-products. The philosophy of SLG is a desire to establish the highest industry standards for quality, innovation, value, service and care for the environment. SLG has been at the forefront of leather industry innovations, is regarded widely as the “industry leader� in matters of sustainability and innovation and the exemplar for our sector. SLG has a stated aim of circular manufacturing of leather, requiring utilisation of the by-products and adding value to each of these.

The post will involve:

• Protein chemistry- specifically focussing on complexities of soluble functional protein generation,
• The research and development of a clear process for soluble protein extraction, purification and recovery.
• process scale-up ensuring that technology will be developed with commercial operability as a key focus from the start.
• Determining the functionality of proteins
• Researching the feasibility of soluble, extractable protein in food & other sectors
• Optimal protein functionality selection for specific markets
• Technology planning and management for integration into current manufacturing systems
• Technology commercialisation and business model innovation
• Developing and implementing management processes to ensure operational embedding of new procedures and capabilities
• Accessing and assessing regulatory and legislative impact

The successful applicant will be based at Scottish Leather Group’s facility in Bridge of Weir, as well as carrying out some research work at Heriot-Watt University in Riccarton, City of Edinburgh.

This 24-month position comes with a generous personal development budget.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

Desirable Criteria

At Heriot-Watt University we understand that being diverse makes us better which is why we support a culture of respect and equal opportunity, and value diversity at the heart of what we do. We want to increase the diversity of our workplace to underpin a dynamic and creative environment.