Research Fellow in VFA Biosensing
£38,448 / year
Salary
As advertised by the employer
£39,900
Going rate
Offer is 1.0× the going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2111 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 59% sure that is the right code. University of Surrey is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
This could also be SOC 2162 (Other researchers, unspecified discipline) or SOC 2113 (Biochemists and biomedical scientists). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2111 Chemical scientists Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £33,400 Clears | £37,500 Clears | £39,900 Misses |
2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £34,900 Clears | £39,200 Misses | £43,600 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.
The role
This Research Fellow position will contribute to a new project developing a biosensor-based approach for monitoring volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in anaerobic digestion.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Develop and test a pH-controlled silicone membrane separation approach to selectively transfer VFAs from complex digestate samples into a cleaner aqueous phase.
- Investigate the effect of key interfering species, particularly bicarbonate and chloride, on VFA separation and recovery.
- Support the development and optimisation of microbial fuel cell biosensors for monitoring acetate, propionate, butyrate and VFA mixtures.
- Carry out laboratory experiments, sample preparation and analytical measurements, and interpret the resulting data.
- Progress from controlled synthetic solutions towards validation using real anaerobic digestate.
- Work closely with the academic team and contribute to project reporting, data analysis and future research outputs.
The role would suit someone with strong practical laboratory skills and a background in areas such as chemistry, chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, membrane/separation processes or related experimental research.
How to apply
Candidates should apply online on our website and attach a curriculum vitae (with details on education, research experiences, successes and the relevant publications to date).
Prospective applicants can contact Dr. Siddharth Gadkari ([email protected]) if they need any specific further information on the post.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with University of Surrey, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Chemical scientists (SOC 2111) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~19k in sample- Offer £38,448
- Middle half £32,084–~45,604
- Median £38,844
- Minimum £41,700
- Going rate £39,900
- New entrant £33,400–35,900
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£32,084–~45,604), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
This pay misses the £41,700 standard floor, but clears the £33,400 new entrant rate.
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Browse more sponsored jobs at University of SurreyAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. University of Surrey holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2111 going rate of £39,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.