Postdoctoral Research Associate (School of Biosciences)

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier research university in Birmingham invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher role focused on investigating glymphatic clearance processes. This full-time, fixed-term position offers a vibrant academic environment with excellent training, benefits including 30 days of leave, and potential sponsorship for skilled worker visas. The candidate should have a PhD or nearing completion in a related field and experience in microfluidic technologies and advanced imaging techniques.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Training and development opportunities

On-site gym and pool access

Family-friendly policies

Everyday discounts at various activities

Qualifications

• Completed or near completion of a PhD in relevant fields.
• Extensive experience working with microfluidic technologies.
• Strong background in mammalian cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Build a gliovascular interface on a chip for glymphatic regulation measurements.
• Conduct detailed measurements using advanced imaging techniques.

Skills

Microfluidic chips

Mammalian cell culture

Advanced imaging techniques

Education

PhD in cell biology, bioengineering, bioscience, molecular biology or related field

Job description

Job Overview

Applications are invited for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the vibrant, supportive team of Professor Roslyn Bill at Aston and Oxford Universities. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term position at Oxford University lasting for 29 months.

The successful candidate will be funded by Professor Bill’s ERC Advanced Grant, which investigates how the subcellular relocalization of the water channel, aquaporin 4, dynamically regulates glymphatic clearance. When glymphatic clearance is impaired, toxic waste products can accumulate within brain tissue leading to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; worldwide over 55 million people currently live with dementia and there is no cure.

Scope of work: The candidate will build a controlled microenvironment in the form of a gliovascular interface on a chip in order to make detailed measurements of glymphatic regulation using advanced imaging techniques.

Requirements: The successful candidate will have completed a PhD or a PhD near completion in cell biology, bioengineering, bioscience, molecular biology or a related field. Candidates should have extensive experience of working with microfluidic chips, mammalian cell culture and advanced imaging techniques.

More information on our work can be found at https://research.aston.ac.uk/en/persons/roslyn-bill, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oaeit5XxJQ and https://www.aston.ac.uk/latest-news/aston-institute-membrane-excellence-receives-ps500000-grant-wolfson-foundation-state.

Please upload your CV, including a list of scientific outputs, and a clear statement of what you will bring to the role.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Roslyn Bill – [e-mail] and Dr Mootaz Salman – [e-mail].

What we offer

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family‑friendly policies.
• On‑site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.