SAF Research Scientist

JR United Kingdom
Eastleigh
1 month ago
Applications closed

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Tomato Sustainables LTD (TSL), a venture by Tomato Energy, is dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. We focus on sustainable gases, liquids, materials, and carbon capture technologies to create a cleaner and greener future. TSL is developing a novel pyrolysis-to-jet (PTJ) pathway to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and high-value chemicals from diverse biomass feedstocks.

Role Overview

We are seeking an innovative and detail-orientedJunior or Senior Research & Development Scientistto join our team in developing cutting-edgepyrolysis-to-jet fuel/SAF technologies. This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute tonext-generation renewable fuelsand play a critical role in sustainable aviation.

The position is open to candidates with diverse experience levels, fromrecent bachelor, Master, and PhD graduatestoexperienced industry professionalslooking to advance their careers in SAF production and biomass conversion technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory and Pilot Operations:

  1. Set up and maintain astate-of-the-art laboratoryfor biomass pyrolysis and fuel conversion research.
  2. Conduct and analyse experiments usingadvanced analytical equipment(e.g., FTIR, KF, TAN, GC-MS, HPLC, NMR).
  3. Lead pilot reactorsetup, operation, and optimisationfor scale-up.

Process Development and Optimization:

  1. Develop and optimise processes for biomass conversion, focusing onjet fuel and SAF production.
  2. Performprocess simulations, scale-up studies, and experimental design.
  3. Utilisedesign of experiments (DOE)and process engineering methodologies.

Data Analysis and Computational Modelling:

  1. Analyse complex datasets usingstatistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
  2. Interpret and present findings in technical reports, publications, and conferences.

Collaboration and Technical Leadership:

  1. Collaborate withinterdisciplinary teamsand industry partners.
  2. Mentorjunior researchers and technicians.
  3. Coordinate with vendors, EPC contractors, and external consultants.

Compliance and Safety:

  1. Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and industry regulations.
  2. LeadHAZOPs and risk mitigation activities.

Qualifications and Skills

Essential Qualifications:

  1. PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field(or MSc with substantial industry experience).
  2. 2+ years of postdoctoral orindustrial R&D experience(for the senior position; recent PhD graduates considered for the junior position).
  3. Extensivewet chemistry and laboratory experience.
  4. Expertise inbiomass pyrolysis, fuel chemistry, and sustainable processes.
  5. Proficiency withanalytical instruments(GC-MS, HPLC, NMR) anddata analysis tools.
  6. Strongproblem-solving skillsand ability to work independently.
  7. Excellentcommunication and teamwork skills.
  8. Proven track record ofscientific publicationsin peer-reviewed journals.
  9. Experience ingrant writing and securing research funding.
  10. Proficiency indesign of experiments (DOE)and process design.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Experience withemerging technologies, such asco-pyrolysis of biomass, hydrotreating, and pyrolysis oil fractionation technologies.
  2. Proficiency in theDesign of Experiments, Process Flow modelling, and optimisation.
  3. Knowledge oflife cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon accounting methodsfor evaluating SAF production.
  4. Familiarity withaviation fuel standards and emerging SAF mandates.
  5. Experiencescaling up processes from lab to pilot scale.
  6. Experience collaborating withaviation industry partners or presenting at industry conferences.

What We Offer

  1. Impactful Work:Contribute tocutting-edge SAF researchand the future ofgreen aviation fuels.
  2. Collaborative Culture:Work in aninclusive and dynamic environmentwith a team passionate about sustainability.
  3. State-of-the-Art Facilities:Access to world-classresearch laboratoriesandindustry partnerships.
  4. Salary range from £35,000 to £55,000 per annum.

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