JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Researcher – Degradation of
Food Waste
Department:
Role reports to:
Direct Reports
Indirect Reports:
Date of Job Evaluation:
Life and Sports Science
February 2012
Prof Pat Harvey
Prof Pat Harvey
Andrew Kent Remade Southeast
Professor Steve Wicks, Director of Research School of Science
Grade:
AC2 (R)
Other Key contacts:
This role profile is non-contractual and provided for guidance. It will be updated and amended from time to time
in accordance with the changing needs of the University and the requirements of the job.
PURPOSE OF ROLE: The job holder will provide the scientific/laboratory research element in a project entitled:
‘Zerowise Sustainable Food Waste Solutions’. The project is led by Remade South East and involves a number
of industrial partners in the SEEDA region. An outline of the project is as follows:
The project partnership will operate demonstration trials to test the collection and treatment of
commercial food waste in the South East with the aim of reducing waste going to landfill. A series of
collections and in-situ trials will be operated to compare and contrast food waste systems, and
recommendations will be made on the most economically and environmentally beneficial schemes for
micro and small businesses.
Groups of businesses located near central treatment facilities will be targeted for participation in trial
schemes in order to maximise the benefits of the proximity principle. The project will identify food waste
solutions for SMEs which increase their resource efficiency, enhance their environmental credentials
and in some cases reduce their disposal costs.
Scientific analysis will be made of the end products to test for quality and to identify their carbon
footprints. New markets will be identified for the end products of reprocessed food waste. A gap
analysis report will be produced to identify where facilities could be created in areas that are not
currently served by commercial food waste treatment facilities.
The results of the project will be disseminated to other micro and small businesses across the region
through case studies, workshops and networking events.
The University is the only academic partner. The post-holder is required to assemble the information gathered
previously by a former researcher of the university (now left), and complete further work as required against the
following University-led tasks:
1. Conduct the following tests on collated “project material” (i.e. food waste samples before and after
treatment by either composting or anaerobic digestion) supplied by Remade South East:
o Biomethane Potential tests using an Automatic Methane Potential Test System (AMPTS);
o Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen analyses; and
o measurements of calorific value using bomb calorimetry.
2. Determine the ‘balance sheet’ of carbon, energy, water for inputs and outputs of anaerobic digestion
(AD) and composting of food wastes in the SEEDA region.
3. Determine process efficiency in terms of time, cost and energy expended, in comparison to the output
benefits.
4. Identify the best process parameters for handling food waste and interpret the process comparisons
and material inputs.
5. Conduct a Food Waste audit at the university
6. Report all findings and present to the project team.
7. Participate in project team meetings.
8. Draft material suitable for external publication, which is likely to include:
o A “how to” manual for anaerobic digestion
o A Partner process review
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KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Team Specific:

Able to work as part of a team to assemble information and materials from project Partners and report
results back to team members
Generic:
 Good communication skills (written or oral)
 Good organisation skills
Managing Self
 Flexible and hardworking
 Able to demonstrate initiative, a ‘self-starter’
 Good laboratory analytical skills
 Able to collate information from a variety of sources and communicate this in written reports
 Ability to think creatively and strategically
 Ability to work accurately under pressure to meet deadlines
Core Requirements



Adhere to and promote the University’s Equality and Diversity policies
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations
Support and promote the University’s Sustainability policies, including the Carbon Management
Plan, and carry out duties in a resource efficient way, recognising the shared responsibility
of minimising the university's negative environmental impacts wherever possible.
Additional Requirements:
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

Have deep knowledge of relevant analytical techniques and some knowledge of the process
technologies involved in order to plan and conduct all research work with minimal guidance from the
supervisor.

Represent the University in all project team meetings and brief university colleagues accordingly.

Be a competent and experienced experimentalist, able to plan and conduct all experimental work with
little/no input from the supervisor.

Be responsible for all material purchases and other expenditure, working to pre-agreed budgets.

Act as a mentor to students working in related research areas.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS (Internal & External):
 Reports to Professor P Harvey internal
 Reports to Remade Southeast (external)
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Experience
 Experience/understanding of a broad range of
analytical techniques
 Experience, competence in experimental
planning and safe laboratory work
 Ability to draft reports and papers suitable for
external publication.
Skills



Ability to set up and work with spread sheets
and databases.
Ability to design and conduct experiments in
the laboratory
Ability to work independently as part of a team
Qualifications
At least 3 years post-graduate experience in a
biological or chemical science
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Desirable
Experience
 Experience of working with staff at all levels
within an organisation
 Understanding of safe working practices
specifically pertaining to food waste handling
 An appreciation of the waste processing
industry and current aspects of food waste
handling/disposal
Skills
 Specialist knowledge and experience in
composting and anaerobic digestion processes
 Project management skills
 Timeline management and budgetary control
 Knowledge of carbon footprint calculations and
quantitative environmental impact assessment
Qualifications
Doctoral qualification highly desirable
biological or chemical science
- PhD in a