Early Career Researcher - School of Engineering - 105981 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Researcher in the School of Engineering to contribute to a project focusing on sustainability in ingestible devices. This role involves developing research proposals, collaborating with the Intelli-Ingest consortium, and addressing sustainability in medical device design. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and possess experience in biomaterials and medical device development.

Qualifications

• High level analytical capability required.
• Experience in biomaterials synthesis and applications.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.

Skills

Analytical capability

Communication

Biomaterials synthesis

Sustainability in medical device design

Education

First degree in Chemical Nanoengineering or Materials Engineering

MSc in Chemical Nanoengineering or Materials Engineering

Job description

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Fixed salary of £43,204.00 additional allowances may be applicable depending on circumstances

Grade: 7 (Spot)

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 3 years

Closing date: 8th July 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range ofactivities within an established research programme and/or specific research project. This project involves addressing the issue of sustainability with ingestible devices. Ingestible devices are commonly constructed from embedded electronic systems encased in a rigid plastic shell. Typically, these are single-use medical devices that are flushed away after use, which has environmental implications. This project will investigate different manufacturing methods and smart materials to create more sustainable approaches to ingestible devices with similar functionality. This will involve creating one or more proof-of-concept devices containing simple sensing modalities, some electronic processing, and active actuation.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects associated with the Intelli-Ingest consortium
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree anda MSc in Chemical Nanoengineering or Materials Engineering or in a related field
• Due to the nature of the funding the applicant cannot be in possession of or be previously or currently registered for a doctoral degree
• Due to the nature of the funding the applicant cannot have been resident in the UK for work or study for more than 12 months over the past 36 months
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Experience in biomaterials synthesis and applications
• Experience of working with clinicians or medical device development
• Experience of sustainability in medical device design is desirable
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the achievement of research deliverables and milestones associated with the Intelli-Ingest program
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Gerard Cummins, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .