List of vacancies

All applications must be made on our online application management system. This ensures all relevant information is gathered in a consistent format to ensure a fair and objective process for all.

In order to apply on-line you will need to register your details/create an account to be able to access the current vacancies and submit an electronic application. We would recommend that electronic applications are sent at least 24 hours in advance of the deadline, to ensure there are no technical difficulties.

Current vacancies

Click on the vacancy below for more information.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £25,644 - £30,057 per annum

Location: SRUC King's Building, Edinburgh

REF: CFPS/IDS/010/21

Closing date: 1 August 2021

SRUC is unique in Scotland and one of the largest organisations of its kind in Europe. Our ambitious and exciting vision is to work at local, national and international levels, leading innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and rural sectors.

SRUC is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation programme which includes developing a new data strategy. A new Business Intelligence Developer post has been created within the Business Intelligence team to support those objectives. As a member of the BI team, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your skills, shape your own work and influence the team direction. You will be in a position to innovate and take the lead on end-to-end development of strategically important solutions while collaborating with a range of stakeholders across the organisation.

The Business Intelligence team is looking for someone who has gained skills in working with data and databases, and is inspired by technology and data. You should have a good understanding of typical data structures and data processes and be excited to contribute to implementing SRUC's data strategy.

The ideal candidate will be creative, analytical, detail-oriented and enjoy a challenge. They will be able to work on their own initiative as part of a team and in collaboration with business stakeholders. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to take on responsibility for developing and maintaining high-profile, high-value internal and external data-centric systems, business-focused reporting and processes. An interest in Management Information, data-related business processes and data visualisation are crucial.

Duties will include:

Development of reports and data visualisations for areas of SRUC business such as Education, Finance, Consulting, Vet Services etc. using technologies such as PowerBI and SSRS
Collaboration and communication with stakeholders including requirements analysis, specification, change management, training and support
SQL development (mainly SQL Server), Business Intelligence analysis, Data Warehouse development
Analysis and diagnosis of data quality issues and errors, data transformation rules etc.
Delivery and maintenance of a wide range of ETL processes and data stores
Testing, QA and development of technical documentation from initial specification through to delivery reports and catalogues
Project management of own deliverables including delivering to deadlines and SLAs
Ensuring data security and integrity is maintained
Ensuring solutions meet agreed and defined quality and governance standards
Identification and recommendation of new technologies

In your supporting statement, please describe a project you carried out which demonstrates the database/reporting experience which makes you a good fit for this role. Please also summarise what your distinct contribution would be to the BI team at SRUC.

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Description document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the link below.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £37,908 - £44,340 per annum

Location: South East Scotland

REF: CML/CS/018/21

Closing date: 25 July 2021

SAC Consulting Solutions is a group within SRUC and is formed from a number of teams divided into four regions in a variety of locations spread across the country. This post will be located in the South East region, however regular travel and flexible working hours will be required to fulfil the requirements of the role.

The group provides an unrivalled level of consultancy service to farmers, crofters and the wider rural sector. The Forestry Consultant will be required to develop new business throughout their area, mostly following up leads supplied by agricultural consultants, and to provide forestry support to staff in the Farm & Rural Business Services Division. An interest in the cross-over between farming and forestry is required so they can develop business with farmers and estates.

Work will include FGS grant applications, organising and supervising planting, fencing and maintenance work, budgets, timber sales, woodland surveys and forest plans. Some experience in arboriculture and community woodlands would be an advantage. The consultant will also be required to promote farm woodlands in the press and in person as part of the Farm Advisory Service (FAS); experience of spoken and written promotional work will be an advantage. There may be opportunities to carry out some teaching work.

The consultant will have good management skills, an all round knowledge of forestry, project management and planning skills and must be able to work on their own initiative. Experience and interest in the farming benefits of forestry will be an advantage. The consultant will also be experienced with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint and GIS software (ArcGIS/QGIS is the incumbent system). Presentational skills are important as some public speaking will be required.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Fixed term - 2 years

Salary: £30,988 - £36,358 per annum

Location: SRUC King's Building, Edinburgh

REF: CFPS/IDS/009/21

Closing date: 11 July 2021

Our Infrastructure is at the heart of our operations and this post will develop/implement, maintain, monitor and support IS infrastructure systems and networks as expertise allows. Provide technical support to address problems/issues experienced in the operation of SRUC IS Infrastructure.

This role will fulfil several technical hands-on activities relating to systems and networks – ensuring systems are maintained and patched, configured securely and managed according to SRUC quality standards.

Reporting to the Senior Infrastructure Analyst – Systems and Network, duties will include:

Providing 3rd line technical support to address issues/problems in the operation of SRUC IDS infrastructure
Providing on-site technical support to augment support analysts when required.
Lead or participate in IDS Infrastructure implementation projects
Participate in the implementation of infrastructure in support of other SRUC business systems and/or projects
Undertake management of campus based infrastructure and/or data centre infrastructure
Provide technical input to specification of equipment, infrastructure, telephony etc.
Contribute to the development of the IDS/IT Technology Strategy of SRUC

Please note this is a full time fixed term role for 2 years.

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Description document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the link below.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £23,254 - £26,374 per annum

Location: SRUC Barony, Dumfries

REF: ASWF/ILM/029/21

Closing date: 30 July 2021

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our forestry and arboriculture team based at SRUC’s Barony Campus.

The successful candidate will have proven experience of working in the Arboriculture or Forestry industries to include chainsaw operations and daily machine maintenance. They will have experience of working to deadlines within the Arboriculture or Forestry commercial sectors.

Key responsibilities of the Instructor will include:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of an industry-led, vibrant programme of growth for SRUC’s forestry and arboriculture education and training capability in the South and West Faculty
• Contributing to the delivery of forestry related training and education activities in the South and West Faculty, including both campus-based and work-based students
• Providing guidance and support to enable learners from all sections of the community to be included in education and achieve their potential as successful learners and future citizens
• Planning and preparing an engaging, inclusive learning experience to progress learning, working both independently and cooperatively with others where relevant
• Ensuring that campus-based and work-based learning programmes meet as a minimum the relevant contractual and QA/QC requirements, including the compilation and submission of internal and external data and reports as required
• Ensuring compliance with the policy and guidelines on health and safety in teaching
• Working with the Senior Forester to help identify opportunities to further develop the academic portfolio to increase student recruitment
• Working with the Senior Forester to help identify opportunities to further develop the academic portfolio for national and international recruitment
• Contributing, where relevant, to the delivery of wider forestry and environmental management related training and education activities, including assisting with the development of a good working relationship with colleagues that have relevant interests (e.g. within SAC Consulting)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Martyn Davies, Senior Forester by email martyn.davies@sruc.ac.uk or by telephone 01387 860251.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £31,115 – £38,310 per annum

Location: SRUC Barony, Dumfries

REF: ASWF/ILM/010/21

Closing date: 4 August 2021

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to help consolidate and grow SRUC’s engineering education and training provision at our Barony Campus.

The successful candidate will have proven skills in: the service, maintenance, diagnostics and repair of hydraulic and electronic systems; ability to service, maintain, diagnose and repair engines, transmissions along with other common systems utilised on a range of modern machines; ability to understand and operate a range of machinery in a safe and efficient manner.

Key responsibilities of the lecturer will include:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of an industry-led, vibrant programme of growth for SRUC’s land-based engineering education and training capability in the South and West Faculty
• Contributing to the delivery of land-based engineering related training and education activities in the South and West Faculty, including a wide range of practical skills to a high standard or workmanship as well as classroom teaching to appropriate academic standards
• Providing guidance and support to enable learners from all sections of the community - including both campus-based and work-based students - to be included in education and achieve their potential as successful learners and future citizens
• Planning and preparing an engaging, inclusive learning experience to progress learning, working both independently and cooperatively with others where relevant
• Ensuring that campus-based and work-based learning programmes meet as a minimum the relevant contractual and QA/QC requirements, including the compilation and submission of internal and external data and reports as required
• Ensuring compliance with the policy and guidelines on health and safety in teaching
• Working with the Programme Team Leader to help identify opportunities to further develop the academic portfolio to increase student recruitment
• Working with the Programme Team Leader to help conduct appropriate liaison with land-based industries in south-west Scotland and beyond

This is a permanent, full time role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Mr Robert Paterson, Senior Engineer, by email at robert.paterson@sruc.ac.uk.

Interviews will be held: 11 August 2021

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £26,188 - £38,800 per annum, pro-rata

Location: SRUC Elmwood, Fife

REF: ANF/AVS/011/21

Closing date: 14 July 2021

We are currently seeking a part-time permanent Lecturer in Animal Care to join the team based at SRUC Elmwood, Fife. The main purpose of this role is to provide the necessary skills and knowledge required of Animal Care students. The main duties of the role are delivering teaching and learning, preparation for classes and providing guidance and support for students.

Applications are invited from Animal Care professionals qualified to Degree level (or equivalent) in Animal Science or with a Veterinary Nursing qualification (or equivalent). Teaching experience would be beneficial. Specialist skills and experience of one sector of animal care e.g. dog handling, grooming, reptile handling, animal nursing is also required.

Applicants should possess theoretical and practical knowledge of animal husbandry techniques in a range of small animal species. Theoretical knowledge of animal science and knowledge of the FE system is also essential.

This permanent, part time role of 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE).

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent (Edinburgh) and Fixed term to 7 March 2023 (Glasgow)

Salary: £33,692 - £39,070 per annum

Location: SRUC King's Building, Edinburgh or Botanic Gardens/Kelvin College, Glasgow

REF: ACF/AHES/016017/21

Closing date: 1 August 2021

We are currently seeking a Lecturer in Garden Design based either in Glasgow or Edinburgh as part of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Engineering Science Department within the Central Faculty of SRUC.

In this role you will prepare, deliver and assess modules typically in all areas of garden design- related subjects amongst other relevant modules and will also be involved in a range of other related activities such as the delivery of appropriate training courses as well as Adviser of Studies. The successful candidate will be managed by the Programme/Team Leader for the Horticulture and Landscape programme.

SCOPE OF THE POST

Teaching of Garden Design modules primarily to higher education students (HNC to degree-level).

Preparation of teaching and learning materials including those required for flexible and blended (online) learning
Assessment and timely feedback of student material
Liaison and collaboration with other staff members
Organisation of practical skills training
Associated CPD
Year Tutor Duties

Member of the Horticulture and Landscape programme team (cross-campus teaching via blended delivery).

Attendance at Core Team Meetings
Attendance at Student Liaison Group meetings
Participation in Induction Week activities
Participation in Study Tours
Other relevant programme management duties as directed by Programme/Team Leader

Adviser of Studies for one year-group of the Horticulture and Landscape programme

Ensuring the teaching and assessment programme for the year group runs smoothly

Promote efficient and effective communication between student cohort and teaching team
Provide academic and pastoral advice for student cohort
Collating relevant academic and statistical information including results for the student cohort.

Contribute to student recruitment activity particularly but not exclusively for the Horticulture and Landscape programme

Attendance at, and contribution to, the planning and running of open days, applicant days, taster days, and other careers events and marketing initiatives particularly, but not exclusively, related to the Horticulture and Landscape programme

Industry Liaison & Collaboration

Establish and maintain links with industry
Participation in organisation and running of technical events and major garden events

Qualifications and experience required:

A minimum BSc in Landscape Architecture, Garden and Greenspace Design or related subject is essential for this post with a postgraduate teaching qualification in Higher or Further education being highly desirable. Experience, and a thorough knowledge of the broader horticultural sector in Scotland and/or the UK and experience in teaching and providing student support in a higher education setting is preferred. The ability to instruct and motivate students to facilitate the successful completion of their studies is essential.

A thorough knowledge of horticultural garden/landscape design (e.g. AutoCAD, Sketch-up) and the education and training needs of the Horticultural sector in Scotland/ UK.

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Particulars document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the link below.

Please be sure to indicate your location preference on your application

Closing Date: 1 August 2021

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Description document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the link below.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £19,188 - £21,086 per annum

Location: SRUC Barony, Dumfries

REF: ASWF/LIB/001/21

Closing date: 11 August 2021

An opportunity exists for an enthusiastic and flexible individual to join the Library Team at the Barony Campus, Dumfries to provide a high level of customer service to staff and students. Duties include delivery of on-going support for students within the library environment and the promotion of both traditional and electronic resources.

The main duties will include:

• Staffing of the library counter- duties include issuing and discharging loans, reservations etc. using SRUC’s Library Management System and basic IT support
• Providing guidance and help for library users accessing our print and electronic resources, and participating in promoting our services and collections
• Processing Inter-Library Loan requests, and maintaining accurate records and statistics
• Gathering and recording statistics and other library management information for monitoring purposes
• Acquisition and processing of stock and library materials using the Library Management System and SRUC finance system
• Assisting with cataloguing and classification of library stock (using AACR2, MARC21 and DDC)
• Undertaking other duties assigned by Campus Librarian as relevant to the post

The successful candidate will have a good standard of education (Highers or equivalent), ideally with experience related to library and information work; a recognised library qualification would be preferred.

Excellent IT and customer service skills are essential and experience of using electronic resources (ejournals, ebooks, databases and social media) is desirable.

This is a full time, permanent post, however, we would consider part time/job share applications. If you are interested in this role on a part time basis please indicate this in the supporting statement section of the application form.

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Fixed-term contract (34 months)

Salary: £31,750 - £37,263 per annum

Location: SRUC Dumfries

REF: ASWF/AGR/007/21

Closing date: 20 July 2021

Based at SRUC’s Dairy Research & Innovation Centre in Dumfries, the purpose of this post is day-to-day management of SRUC’s animal recording and sampling tasks in a new EU project “HoloRuminant: Understanding microbiomes of the ruminant holobiont”, which has 25 partners based around the world. A large longitudinal study will explore the establishment, maintenance and health consequences of microbiomes establishing at key sites (digestive tract, upper respiratory tract and skin) relevant to the health of dairy cattle at different stages of life. This work will build on recording from the long-running Langhill study, which has developed divergent genetic lines of Holsteins over 50 years. Other studies will explore the relationships between the baseline microbiome of milk and mastitis incidence.

Key responsibilities include:

Animal recording and sample collection from the longitudinal study of microbiomes of dairy cows, as well as studies of milk microbiomes. This includes - experimental design and planning, maintenance of protocols/SOPs, animal ethics and licensing, organisation of technical and farm resources
Maintenance of sample storage and databases of animal records, including responsibility for project data quality
Ensuring that project milestones are met and contributing to project planning meetings
Member of the supervisory team for two PhD students associated with this project, one working on the longitudinal study of microbiomes and the other on microbiomes and mastitis. This will include oversight of sample processing steps (extraction of DNA and RNA). There may be involvement with other postgraduate and honours projects
Liaison with task leads and project partners in other countries (Spain, France, Norway, Finland, Israel, Ireland and Lithuania)
Liaison with SRUC colleagues working on microbiome at other SRUC sites, notably the Beef & Sheep Research Centre at Edinburgh
Liaison with external labs undertaking multi-omics analysis of samples, as well as with bioinformaticians analysing data within the project
Data analysis, preparation of reports (for project meetings, seminars and conferences) and preparation of refereed papers targeting high-quality journals
Presentation of the project to students, visitors and at open days/events

The successful candidate should have a PhD (or equivalent) in a subject relating to agriculture or environmental science with good written English and data handling skills. The applicant should have knowledge of ruminant microbiomes and experience of new advances in multi-omic analysis techniques. Experience of data handling and statistical analysis for biological data is essential.

This is a fixed term role for 34 months.

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Particulars document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the link below.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £41,858 - £48,930 per annum

Location: SRUC Inverness

REF: ANF/AVS/040/21

Closing date: 4 July 2021

We are currently seeking applications from molecular virologists for this exciting new role to work with the Head of Department (and Inverness Research Team Lead) to coordinate and develop collaborative research interests in Wildlife Population Health and to add significant input into our Marine Mammals unit, in alignment with SRUC Strategy. Responsibilities will include:

Research:

Responsibility for academic leadership and management of a significant research programme
Leading the development and implementation of individual and/or joint research projects and participating actively in the development of the departmental/faculty/institutional research strategy; acting as principal investigator or project leader on major research projects with a portfolio of research activity and publications of high quality and impact.
Mentoring/coaching early career researchers in the area of Wildlife Population Health (incl marine mammals), providing specialist advice, support and academic leadership.
Leading major funding bids and related activities, including Knowledge Exchange, which develop and sustain support for the subject area and recognized excellence for the institution.
Actively contributing to the subject specialism through learned societies, professional bodies, broader review and editorial processes.
Engaging with industry to garner new collaboration opportunities to achieve more sustainable marine and terrestrial ecosystems

Education:

Maintaining a portfolio of teaching activity of high quality, reputation and impact.
Engaging with Education Leads to participate actively in the development and delivery of subject based pedagogy and teaching, learning and assessment strategies.
Involvement in the development of continuing professional development in relation to teaching and, where appropriate, related professional practices.

General:

Managing staff and other resources efficiently and effectively.
Be an institution lead at local, national and international events and sector engagements.
Contributing to the academic leadership and management of SRUC and the Faculty by attending / chairing committees and leading on key processes / events.

Essential Experience & Qualifications required:

It is essential that you should possess a PhD qualification in Zoology/Animal Biology or a related discipline and a recognised teaching qualification: e.g. PG Cert in education. Ideally you should have recognition at senior fellow level by Advance HE and have membership of a scientific body e.g. Royal Society of Biology.

It is essential that you have experience of running research programmes at Principal Investigator level and experience of innovative educational delivery in the planning and progressing of work activities within professional guidelines. In addition you should possess the ability to instruct and motivate staff to facilitate the successful delivery of teaching.

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Particulars document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the APPLY button.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Permanent

Salary: £33,853 - £37,327 per annum

Location: SRUC King's Building, Edinburgh

REF: CFPS/IDS/008/21

Closing date: 11 July 2021

This is a systems developer and administrator role with responsibility for developing, implementing, administering and troubleshooting online student services and databases, such as integrations with the virtual learning environment (VLE) Moodle, Office365, Unit-E Student management system etc.

The post holder will be responsible for coordination of activities with our cloud providers and the Digital Learning team, including system development installs, upgrades, patches, backups, disaster recovery processes and master data management/configuration.

We also host a number of systems internally; this post will be responsible for the system administration of these. This post will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure SRUC can deliver robust, secure and reliable digital services.

Reporting to the Digital Services and Information Security Manager, duties will include:

Full software lifecycle development – business analysis, specification, design, implementation, testing, delivery and support of applications using an open souce LAMP software stack including development and maintenance of various integration scripts and APIs
Architecture, build, support and maintenance of hosting infrastructure (Linux virtual machines running Docker)
Patching and troubleshooting to ensure environments remain secure
Creation and maintenance of appropriate levels of quality documentation (specifications, training documents, support handover documents, architecture documents, data models and data dictionaries etc)
End user support, ensuring tickets dealt with within SLA
Ensuring appropriate backups are in place and disaster recovery processes and systems are defined and tested regularly

Further details on the requirements of this role can be found in the Job Description document which you must read before applying for this role. This is downloadable when you click the link below.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

Type: Fixed Term

Salary: £19,842 – £23,183 per annum

Location: SRUC Oatridge, West Lothian

REF: ACF/FO/011/21

Closing date: 3 August 2021

An interesting opportunity has arisen for a Training and Work-Based Learning Administrator within our Schools, Training and Work-Based Learning Team. The role will involve providing the business and administrative support for the successful delivery of training and work-based learning activities within the faculty. The majority of the workload will comprise managing the day to day running of the faculty’s training courses delivered to external clients, students and staff, and the faculty’s work-based learning activities. In addition to this, there will also be elements of support required for colleagues in the academic division in terms of their delivery and in line with the requirements of the accrediting body.

We are seeking an experienced administrator with a proven track record of providing an effective service to customers and other internal and external stakeholders and preferably some knowledge of FE and/or HE in Scotland. To be considered for this role, candidates should possess a good general standard of education and ideally be qualified to HNC/D level or equivalent. A good knowledge of IT software, particularly Microsoft Office is also essential.

This is a full time, fixed term role for 12 months.

Important information

Please download and read the Job Particulars document before proceeding with your application.

Apply

To apply for this role, please use the SRUC online application system.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.

How will the information on the forms be used?

The information collected on the equal opportunities monitoring form does not form part of the selection process and will not be circulated to the selection panel. It will be used solely to monitor the effectiveness of SRUC’s equal opportunities policy.

Your application form will be circulated to the selection panel. They will use this information to assess your suitability for the post against the selection criteria. If appointed, your application will be retained on your confidential personnel file. If you are unsuccessful, your application will be retained for six months and then disposed of securely.

At all times the information will be held securely in accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Leading the way in agricultural and rural research, education and consultancy

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046

PhD opportunities

Click on the opportunity below for more information.

Start date: 1 October 2021

Duration: 3.5 years, full time

Salary: £15,609 per annum

Location: University of Edinburgh

Closing date for applications: 30 June 2021

This studentship is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a large collaborative multi-disciplinary project comprising of experts in the following areas:

polymers
sustainable composites
biomaterials
manufacturing and green chemistry

At SRUC, we are working in a newly established research direction for transforming biorenewable and sustainable materials for the future through the integration across-disciplines. We are conducting research that enables innovative synthesis, processing and manufacturing technologies, with net-zero emission, for a natural bioeconomy with a key focus on the science and engineering of innovative materials into research, education, and public outreach initiatives.

The research activities are primarily in the areas of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Manufacturing, and Polymer Chemistry focusing on different classes/aspects of sustainable and functional materials. The work often encompasses synthesis, characterisation and miscellaneous properties measurements with a potential for various applications. Environmental aspects are also an important part of the research activities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the industrial partners, external collaborators and a team of researchers at the SRUC in collaboration with different research centres. The objective of the research is to synthesise and manufacture cellulose-based sustainable and functional materials from UK Biorefinery for potential applications ranging from packaging, biomedical, automotive to aerospace depending upon the performance and functionality of the developed materials.

The key aim of this research is to investigate the use of different cellulosic materials derived from UK biorefinery targeted for specific applications as mentioned in the above-defined project and beyond. The packaging, biomedical, automotive, aerospace, electronics, oil and gas industries aim to use greener and environmentally friendly materials from sustainable sources for such applications.

The research aims to extend in this direction via synthesis and surface engineering of different cellulosic materials depending upon the targeted applications. In addition to synthesis and surface engineering, the project will also involve the use of other nanomaterials (Graphene/CNTs), processing, manufacturing and mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact properties), thermal (TGA/DSC/DMA/TMA), electrical properties evaluation etc. of the resulting functional composites materials. The final products will be manufactured using advanced state of the art techniques including additive manufacturing.

The successful candidate will be involved in an intense three-year PhD research via cellulosic materials synthesis; characterization and properties evaluation and the comparison of developed materials properties with the existing state of the art materials for numerous applications.

The PhD candidate will be expected to work with the rest of the team at the SRUC and collaboratively with the project’s potential industrial partners, and publish the work in high impact materials journals.

The successful student will work with Prof Vijay Kumar Thakur at SRUC. The student will register at the University of Edinburgh where they will have access to the training environments of both SRUC and the University of Edinburgh. Both institutions are committed to the training of PhD students in both specific and transferable skills.

The student will receive mentoring and training in the following areas specific to this PhD project:

sustainable materials and manufacturing
thermochemical treatment of biomass
physico-chemical and mechanical characterization
development of sustainable composites and coatings

Students should have at least a BSc 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymers, Materials Science and any other relevant disciplines. A postgraduate MSc qualification would be desirable but is not essential.

The expected start date is the 1 October 2021 for 3.5 years. The student will be registered at a partner university and receive an annual student stipend of £15,609 at the 2021/22 rate. This studentship will fund to pay the tuition fees at home fees rate only. This studentship will be based at The University of Edinburgh.

SRUC, Scotland’s Rural College, delivers comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industry founded on world-class, sector-leading research, education and consultancy. SRUC’s joint submission with the University of Edinburgh to the Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science subpanel of the Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) ranks top in the UK on research power.

To apply for this studentship, please send us your CV and complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form.

Completed forms and any questions should be sent to SRUC’s Postgraduate Administrator pg.research@sruc.ac.uk quoting reference SRUC/904/Thakur.

To have an informal discussion about this studentship, contact Professor Vijay Kumar Thakur; Email: vijay.thakur@sruc.ac.uk, telephone: 0131 603 7533.

The closing date for the return of applications is 5pm on 30 June 2021.