Senior Research Assistant
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Job Description
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the BIOARC project at Northumbria University, contributing to Work Package 2 (WP2): Development and Standardisation of Bio-Based Construction Materials. This role focuses on applying and optimising Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and green moulding techniques to create sustainable, low-carbon construction materials from agricultural waste such as rice husks, wheat straw, hop fibres, and sunflower stalks.
The successful candidate will conduct experimental research on biomineralization processes, develop new bio-composite materials, and standardise fabrication techniques for insulation boards, construction panels, acoustic panels, and partition walls. A key focus will be optimising the bioreactor-based production of bacterial cultures, refining material processing parameters, and ensuring mechanical, thermal, and fire performance meet industry standards.
This role offers an opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary team, collaborate with an innovation company and European partners, and contribute to the scaling up of bio-based materials for real-world applications. The researcher will also engage in and contribute to life-cycle assessment (LCA), prototype development, and industrial testing, helping to shape the future of bioregional, regenerative construction.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The BIOARC (Bioregional Mineralisation with Agricultural Resources for Construction) project, funded under Horizon Europe, aims to revolutionize bio-based construction materials by transforming agricultural waste into durable, low-carbon, and fire-resistant building materials. The project addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to carbon-intensive construction materials like cement, mineral wool, and gypsum, which contribute significantly to global CO₂ emissions.
BIOARC pioneers a novel biomineralization approach using Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and green moulding techniques to develop scalable, biodegradable, and high-performance materials. By harnessing locally available agricultural by-products-including rice husks, wheat straw, hop fibres, and sunflower stalks-the project ensures that bio-based construction materials are regionally adaptable, economically viable, and environmentally regenerative.
The project brings together a diverse European consortium of research institutions, industry leaders, and community organizations, including Northumbria University, the Technical University of Munich, Cresco Biotech, and InnoRenew CoE. It integrates scientific innovation, industrial applications, and community engagement, developing four prototype construction products and establishing circular bio-based value chains.
Through real-world demonstrations, including pavilion structures and pilot projects, BIOARC aims to bridge the gap between research, industry, and policy, contributing to the New European Bauhaus initiative and shaping the future of sustainable construction.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The research team at Northumbria University is at the forefront of bio-based construction innovation, leading Work Package 2 of the BIOARC project. Based within the Living Construction group in Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE), our interdisciplinary team integrates expertise in biotechnology, materials science, and sustainable architecture to develop novel biomineralized building materials.
BIOARC is a collaboration between leading institutions, including Technical University of Munich, Cresco Biotech, InnoRenew CoE, and WeLoop, bringing together scientists, engineers, and industry partners across Europe. Together, we are pioneering scalable, low-carbon construction materials to transform the built environment.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a background in biotechnology, materials science, microbiology, or a related field. You will have experience in biomineralization, biofabrication and sustainable construction materials, with strong experimental and analytical skills.
Expertise in Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), bioreactors, or bio-based composites is also essential. You should be comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with industrial and academic partners, and contributing to prototype development and material testing. A passion for circular economy principles and sustainable construction will be essential in shaping the future of bio-based materials.
Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof Martyn Dade-Robertson (martyn.dade-robertson@northumbria.ac.uk).
ABOUT US
Northumbria University is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all. We change lives regionally, nationally, and internationally through education and research, tackling the global challenges of our age to transform society and the economy. Find out why we were named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Northumbria recorded the biggest rise of any UK university for research power in the Research Excellence Framework for the second time in 2021 and is now ranked top 25 in the UK for this measure.
One of the largest universities in the UK with over 37,000 students from more than 140 countries, filled with world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and students at the heart of an outstanding experience. Discover more about us.
Northumbria University is a great place to work. We empower our exceptional people to achieve shared ambitions and promote a positive work life balance. We offer a wide range of benefits including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, a generous holiday entitlement, continued commitment to your learning and development and more.
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We are an on-campus organisation where colleagues work regular patterns of hours and on campus, with some flexibility on the timing of their hours and the location of their work in discussion with their manager. Our campus locations include our City and Coach Lane Campuses in Newcastle upon Tyne and our London campus.
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