Postdoc: Mechanobiology & Hydrogel Systems

University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer contribution pension

29 days annual leave + bank holidays

Ride to work and EV car scheme

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems for controlled stiffening and softening during live-cell imaging. You will design and optimise materials while validating their performance in mammalian cell culture.

This role emphasizes mechanobiology at cell-matrix interfaces, independent research outputs, and developing grant proposals within a supportive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, biomaterials, bioengineering or cell biology with substantial postdoctoral experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience developing and troubleshooting biomaterial platforms for biological research, including patient-derived cancer-cell models.
• Strong track record in mechanobiology and receptor-mediated mechanotransduction research.
• Experience with protein functionalisation, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry and analyses of transcriptomic data.
• Evidence of independence and leadership in senior postdoctoral research and grant/fellowship applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogels for live-cell imaging of stiffness changes.
• Characterise hydrogel properties and compatibility with mammalian cell culture.
• Investigate integrin-mediated mechanobiology at cell-matrix adhesions and prepare findings for publication.
• Establish robust hydrogel fabrication and QC workflows; train and support lab members.
• Lead research outputs and develop external funding applications in collaboration with colleagues.

Skills

Mechanobiology

Biomaterials

Cell biology

Independent research leadership

Super-resolution microscopy

Education

PhD in biomaterials / related field

Tools

STED microscopy

Immunoblotting

RNA-seq analysis

Co-immunoprecipitation

Mammalian cell culture

Job description

The University of Manchester invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems for controlled stiffening and softening during live-cell imaging. You will design and optimise materials while validating their performance in mammalian cell culture.

This role emphasizes mechanobiology at cell-matrix interfaces, independent research outputs, and developing grant proposals within a supportive, inclusive environment.