Research Associate / Fellow (Fixed term)

University-of-Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham is seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to join a NIH BRC funded project in Pharmacy at University Park. The role involves designing and testing gene delivery and hydrogel scaffold-based systems for orthopaedic regenerative medicine.

Applicants should have a PhD (or near completion) in gene delivery, cell biology or tissue engineering, with experience in cell culture, hydrogel systems and differentiation assays.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in gene delivery, cell biology or tissue engineering.
• Experience with cell culture, hydrogel systems and differentiation assays is essential.
• Knowledge of analysis of differentiation (immunolabelling, gene expression) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test gene delivery and cell differentiation systems.
• Develop hydrogel scaffold-based systems for tissue engineering.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage day-to-day project activities.

Skills

Gene delivery

Cell biology

Tissue engineering

Hydrogel systems

Cell culture

Differentiation assays

Immunolabelling

Gene expression analyses

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

Hydrogel systems

Job description

Research Associate / Fellow (Fixed term)

Area
Pharmacy

Location
University Park

Salary
£32,080 to £35,608per annum, depending on skills and experience (£35608 with relevant PhD).

Reference
SCI913826

We are seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to join a project funded by the NIH BRC at the University of Nottingham. The project aim is to develop an advanced therapeutic using genetic augmentation for enhanced bone repair using clinical samples. The role holder will be involved in the design, build and testing pivotal gene delivery, cell differentiation and hydrogel scaffold-based systems. The successful candidate will join highly motivated and multidisciplinary research teams across the Schools of Pharmacy; and in collaboration with the Trauma team at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust. The project is a collaboration between Dr. James Dixon and the BRC Musculoskeletal theme of the Nottingham NIHR.

The aim of this post will be to develop a gene delivery-focused augmentation strategy for orthopaedic regenerative medicine. We have recently designed and implemented an efficient gene delivery system and have applied this to induce bone differentiation in the context of an advanced hydrogel-based systems for tissue engineering and in animal models. Here, we aim to build on these successes by further enhancing the methodology to apply to clinical samples and medical devises as the next stage of translation.

Candidates should have a PhD (or near completion) in a discipline relevant to gene delivery, cell biology and/or tissue engineering. Past experience of cell culture, hydrogel systems and cell differentiation assays and preferably also gene delivery systems is essential. A knowledge of advanced analysis of differentiation (Immunolabelling, gene expression analyses) would be desirable. The candidate will be required to undertake research and day to day management of design, construct and test aspects of this research project, requiring a high degree of competence in the cell and tissue engineering biology research area. An aptitude for critical thinking and a flexible approach to collaborative research is vital.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more.

This full-time (36.25 hours/week), fixed-term post is offered for 6 months, starting on 1st October 2026 and with a funding end date of 31 March 2027.

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Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.