Research Associate

Job description

About the role

Applications are encouraged for a full time, fixed term Research Associate post of 12 months. This post is funded by the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge 5 (Transform Stream) for the multi-partner industry-academic project titled "Next-Gen Digestion". The overall project aims to transform UK wastewater treatment infrastructure by advancing full-scale Microbial Hydrolysis Process (MHP) technologies and optimizing anaerobic digestion performance to maximize renewable energy and resource recovery.

Joining the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Po-Heng (Henry) Lee, you will work as part of a high-profile consortium comprising United Utilities (project lead), Jacobs UK, Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, Cranfield University, and Imperial College London.

What you would be doing

In this role, you will lead the computational and bioinformatic research arm of Imperial's contribution to the "Next-Gen Digestion" project. Rather than performing routine laboratory analyses, you will focus on interpreting rich multi-omics datasets derived from full-scale operational assets (including Leigh WwTW) and translating these biological insights into predictive computational models.

You will combine classical bioinformatic pipelines with advanced hybrid quantum-classical modelling techniques to map microbial gene regulation, substrate conversion, and metabolic interactions. By linking microbial dynamics directly to process performance, your work will uncover key operational levers that control gas production (methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulfide), resolve operational bottlenecks, and help optimize full-scale anaerobic digestion systems across the UK water sector.

What we are looking for

• A PhD in a Relevant Discipline: A PhD (or equivalent professional/research experience) in Environmental Engineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering, Quantum Information/Computing, or a closely related discipline.
• Bioinformatics Expertise: Demonstrated track record in processing and analysing high-throughput multi-omics data (16S rRNA, metagenomics, or metatranscriptomics) in environmental or biological systems.
• Computational Modelling: Proven experience in computational modelling, algorithm development, or numerical simulation using Python, R, Qiskit, PennyLane, or relevant computational frameworks.
• Anaerobic Systems Knowledge: Strong biological and process understanding of anaerobic digestion, microbial hydrolysis, or bioenergy recovery mechanisms.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent oral and written communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional project teams.
• Publication Record: A track record of publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific papers commensurate with career stage.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to work at the interface of environmental biotechnology, microbial bioinformatics, process modelling and emerging computational methods on a research programme focused on next-generation anaerobic digestion and sustainable bioresource recovery.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.

• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

Further information

This is a fixed-term full-time post for 12 months.

Please see the job description for full details and specifications of the post.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Dr Po-Heng Lee - [email protected]

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Briony Webb at [email protected] .

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and disabilities. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the interview process and to perform crucial job functions, as well as other support including staff networks. Please contact us to request accommodation.