Research Associate

Economics Network; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Employee health & wellbeing services

Excellent annual leave + bank holidays

Additional Christmas closure

Retail discounts

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a fixed-term, full-time PhD-position within the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry in Manchester. The project, led by Prof Alberto Saiani, focuses on material characterisation and protein-based functional surfaces as part of IBIC funding.

Work will involve advanced material analysis (QCM, AFM, ToF-SIMS, TEM) and collaboration with industry partner Unilever, in a sociable multidisciplinary team with PhD/PDRA staff.

Qualifications

• This role requires a PhD and a background in material characterisation.
• Experience with surface characterisation techniques (QCM, AFM, ToF-SIMS or TEM) is essential.
• Strong scientific and communication skills with ability to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Join the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology under Prof Alberto Saiani.
• Support the IBIC-funded project on fabric surfaces binding mechanisms of multifunctional proteins.
• Lead interaction with industrial collaborator Unilever and contribute to multidisciplinary work.

Skills

PhD background in material characteris

Excellent scientific communication

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

QCM

AFM

ToF-SIMS

TEM

Job description

Job reference: BMH-032307

Salary: UoM Grade 6 £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health

Location: Manchester

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Division of Pharmacy and Optometry

Hours Per Week: Full time (1.0 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 22/09/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed Term from 1st October 2026 to 31st March 2027

School/Directorate: School of Health Sciences

This is an outstanding opportunity for a PhD, with a background in material characterisation, to work within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) under the supervision of Prof Alberto Saiani. The post holder will be part of the Polymer and Peptide Research Group (www.polymersandpeptides.co.uk).

The candidate will support the aims of the project funded by Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC). This innovative project will study the fabric surfaces binding mechanisms of novel multi-functional proteins engineered to deliver diverse consumer benefits.

This position offers an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic, well-motivated individual to work as part of a sociable multi-disciplinary team consisting of PhD and PDRA. The ideal candidate will have excellent scientific and communication skills and will be able to work with minimal supervision leading the interaction with industrial collaborator Unilever. Experience of material characterisation techniques: QCM, AFM, ToF-SIMS and/or TEM is essential for the position.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered. Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [e-mail].

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Please note that an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is required for this role.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof Alberto Saiani

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

Jobtrain Client Support Hub

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

£37,694 to £46,049 per annum depending on relevant experience