Research Associate


Company:	Keele University
Salary:	£38,784
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Keele, ST5 5BG
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	14 Jul 2026
Closing date:	2 Aug 2026

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Summary

Full Time & Fixed Term (12 Months)

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for a motivated team member to join the Cosgrove group at Keele University as part of the BBSRC funded EnzAct Prosperity Partnership. This project, led by UCL and Unilever, seeks to develop sustainable enzymatic routes to novel biobased surfactants. The successful candidate will join the Cosgrove group to help with the development of enzymatic routes towards functionalised biobased surfactants. You should have experience in synthetic chemistry, recombinant enzyme expression and carbohydrate synthesis and characterisation. You will engage with the wider team (UCL, Unilever, Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, York, Northumbria and East Anglia, Johnson Matthey) at in person and virtual meetings. You will have the opportunity to engage in group meetings and supervise junior researchers (UG, Master’s and PGR students). This is a fixed term post for 12 months only and is currently not available to be extended.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:

- Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)

- Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave

- Excellent staff pension scheme

- Access to continued personal, professional and career development

- On site ‘outstanding’ nursery

- Discounted health & fitness facilities on site

- Cycle to Work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

Occupational Health

Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University’s Occupational Health provider.

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Sebastian Cosgrove (s.cosgrove@keele.ac.uk). Applications to this address will not be accepted.

Post reference: KU000005241

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