Research Associate in NanoMIP Characterisation and Polymer Analytics

Economicsnetwork; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Research Associate (PDRA) for an EPSRC-funded project focused on advancing AF4 technology for characterizing molecularly imprinted nanoparticles. This 18-month role involves collaboration across institutions, with opportunities for travel and engagement with industry partners, offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Excellent health and wellbeing services

Generous annual leave entitlement

Paid leave over Christmas

Local and national discounts at retailers

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize AF4 protocols for characterizing nanoparticles.
• Benchmark AF4 against other analytical methods.
• Correlate polymer synthesis parameters with functional behavior.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Analytical skills

Protocol optimization

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Research Associate (PDRA) - EPSRC-funded Project

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. This project is 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 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 conducted at Sheffield. Analytical work will be carried out in both Manchester and Sheffield.

The successful candidate will work closely with interdisciplinary collaborators to:

1. Optimize AF4 protocols
2. Benchmark against other analytical methods
3. 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 health and wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Additional paid leave over Christmas
• Local and national discounts at major retailers

We are an equal opportunities employer, supporting an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all community sections 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 promotes flexible working arrangements. For more information, click 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 agencies will be considered a gift.

Contact Information

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:

Support Page

Application deadline: Midnight on the closing date.

For more details, see the Further Particulars document, which contains the person specification criteria.

Due to high application volumes, we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications.