Research Associate in NanoMIP Characterisation and Polymer Analytics

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a research associate (PDRA) for an 18-month project focused on advancing AF4 technology for characterizing molecularly imprinted nanoparticles. The role involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, optimizing analytical methods, and engaging with industry partners, offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Excellent health and wellbeing services

Exceptional annual leave entitlement

Paid closure over Christmas

Local and national retail discounts

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline is essential.
• Experience with analytical methods is preferred.
• Strong communication skills for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize AF4 protocols for nanoparticle characterization.
• Conduct detailed analytical work in collaboration with Sheffield.
• Engage with industrial partners and travel for project needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Protocol optimization

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

We are recruiting a research associate (PDRA) to work on the EPSRC-funded project AF4-MIP: Advancing AF4 for Precision Characterisation of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles, a collaboration between Dr Tom McDonald at the University of Manchester and Prof Nick Turner at the University of Sheffield.

The goal of this 18-month project is to develop asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) into a robust platform for the high-resolution characterisation of nanoscale molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) and their interactions with biological targets such as proteins and extracellular vesicles. The project will leverage cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise at the Henry Royce Institute, with nanoMIP synthesis carried out at Sheffield. Detailed analytical work will be conducted in both Manchester and Sheffield.

The successful candidate will work closely with interdisciplinary collaborators to optimise AF4 protocols, benchmark against other analytical methods, and correlate polymer synthesis parameters with functional behaviour. There will be regular funded travel to Sheffield and opportunities to engage with industrial partners.

What you will get in return:

• 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 support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, 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 CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting, and interviews:

Name: Dr Tom McDonald - Reader in Sustainable Materials

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

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

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

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document, which contains the person specification criteria.

Be aware that due to the number of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback on your application.