Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

SAF Research Scientist

JR United Kingdom
Eastleigh
6 months ago
Applications closed

Social network you want to login/join with:

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Why the UK Could Be the World’s Next AI Jobs Hub

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly moved from research labs into boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals, and homes. It is already reshaping economies and transforming industries at a scale comparable to the industrial revolution or the rise of the internet. Around the world, countries are competing fiercely to lead in AI innovation and reap its economic, social, and strategic benefits. The United Kingdom is uniquely positioned in this race. With a rich heritage in computing, world-class universities, forward-thinking government policy, and a growing ecosystem of startups and enterprises, the UK has many of the elements needed to become the world’s next AI hub. Yet competition is intense, particularly from the United States and China. Success will depend on how effectively the UK can scale its strengths, close its gaps, and seize opportunities in the years ahead. This article explores why the UK could be the world’s next global hub for artificial intelligence, what challenges it must overcome, and what this means for businesses, researchers, and job seekers.

The Best Free Tools & Platforms to Practise AI Skills in 2025/26

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the UK and worldwide. Whether you are a student exploring AI for the first time, a graduate looking to build your portfolio, or an experienced professional upskilling for career growth, having access to free tools and platforms to practise AI skills can make a huge difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best free resources available in 2025, covering AI coding platforms, datasets, cloud tools, no-code AI platforms, online communities, and learning hubs. These tools allow you to practise everything from machine learning models and natural language processing (NLP) to computer vision, reinforcement learning, and large language model (LLM) fine-tuning—without needing a huge budget. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap of where to start practising your AI skills for free, how to build real-world projects, and which platforms can help you land your next AI job.

Top 10 Skills in Artificial Intelligence According to LinkedIn & Indeed Job Postings

Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche field reserved for research labs or tech giants—it has become a cornerstone of business strategy across the UK. From finance and healthcare to manufacturing and retail, employers are rapidly expanding their AI teams and competing for talent. But here’s the challenge: AI is evolving so quickly that the skills in demand today may look different from those of just a few years ago. Whether you’re a graduate looking to enter the industry, a mid-career professional pivoting into AI, or an experienced engineer wanting to stay ahead, it’s essential to know what employers are actually asking for in their job ads. That’s where platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed provide valuable insight. By analysing thousands of job postings across the UK, they reveal the most frequently requested skills and emerging trends. This article distils those findings into the Top 10 AI skills employers are prioritising in 2025—and shows you how to present them effectively on your CV, in interviews, and in your portfolio.