Research Associate

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

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to develop methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems for controlled stiffening and softening during live-cell imaging, enabling new research into mechanobiology, integrin-mediated cell-matrix interactions and mechanically regulated cell behaviour. The postholder will also help establish robust hydrogel workflows across the laboratory and develop applications for external research funding within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for

• Developing and optimising methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems for controlled stiffening and softening during live-cell imaging.
• Characterising and validating hydrogel properties, reproducibility and compatibility with mammalian cell culture.
• Investigating integrin-dependent mechanobiology at cell-matrix adhesions, and preparing the findings for publication.
• Establishing robust hydrogel fabrication and quality-control workflows, and providing practical training and support to other members of the laboratory.
• Leading research outputs and developing applications for external research funding in collaboration with colleagues across relevant disciplines.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in materials science, biomaterials, bioengineering, cell biology or a closely related discipline, together with substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience at the interface of biomaterials and cell biology.
• Extensive hands-on experience of independently developing, adapting and troubleshooting multiple materially distinct biomaterial platforms for biological research, including their application to patient-derived cancer-cell models.
• An established research track record in mechanobiology and experience investigating receptor-mediated mechanotransduction, including GPCR/G-protein, integrin or related cell-surface signalling systems.
• Extensive experimental expertise in investigating receptor-mediated signalling using complementary biochemical, cellular and imaging approaches. This should include protein functionalisation, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation, small-GTPase activity assays and cellular fractionation, together with experience of super-resolution microscopy, such as STED or an equivalent technique, and analysis of transcriptomic datasets, such as bulk RNA sequencing.
• Evidence of research independence and leadership appropriate to a senior postdoctoral researcher, including leading research outputs and experience developing research grant and fellowship applications.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with hyaluronic acid-based, methacrylated or other photocrosslinkable hydrogel systems, including the use of light-mediated approaches to control biomaterial fabrication or material properties.
• Experience applying quantitative live-cell imaging to investigate cell-material interactions or mechanically regulated cell behaviour, including the use of microfluidic devices to examine the effects of physical forces on cell behaviour and function.
• Experience characterising the physical or mechanical properties of biomaterials using techniques such as rheology, atomic force microscopy or mechanical testing.
• Experience measuring integrin activation, focal-adhesion signalling or related cell-matrix adhesion processes.
• Experience establishing reproducible laboratory workflows and providing practical training or technical support to other researchers.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

(Grades 6-9)

Our benefits include

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: John Robert Davis

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.