Research Fellow in Impact of Fluid-Induced Forces on Protein Stability

University of Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Fellow to advance the next generation of protein-based medicines through innovative fluid-based device development. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary project at a leading research university, focusing on the stability of proteins under hydrodynamic forces. You will leverage your expertise in fluid mechanics and collaborate with a diverse team to create impactful solutions that enhance biopharmaceutical manufacturability. With a supportive environment and flexible working arrangements, this position is ideal for those eager to make significant contributions to cutting-edge research in the field.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus 16 Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Access to professional development courses

On-site childcare

Shopping discounts

Travel schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in developing small-scale fluid-based devices.
• Understanding of fluid mechanics and equipment design.

Responsibilities

• Develop new approaches to evaluate protein response to fluid forces.
• Collaborate with scientists to quantify protein behavior.

Skills

Fluid Mechanics

Micro- and Milli-Fluidic Systems

Physics-Based Measurement Techniques

Education

PhD in Engineering or Biology

Master's Degree in a Relevant Field

Tools

Fluid-Flow Equipment

Data Analysis Software

Job description

Research Fellow in Impact of Fluid-Induced Forces on Protein Stability

Do you have experience of developing and quantifying small-scale fluid-based devices? Do you want to use your experience to support developing the next generation of protein-based medicines? Do you want to further your career by working on a multidisciplinary project spanning engineering and biology in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

This position supports the recently awarded EPSRC award titled EMBeDs: Ensuring Manufacturability of next-generation Biopharmaceuticals by Design. The project has been designed through careful collaboration between the University of Leeds and two industrial partners (Astra Zeneca and UCB) who are actively involved in developing the next generation of biopharmaceutical medicines. These are protein-based, and there is a need to identify successful candidates that are both effective against the target disease but are also robust molecules that can survive the rigours of manufacturing.

We have a long track record of developing novel devices for assessing the stability of proteins in relation to hydrodynamic forces (e.g. PNAS) - and more recently shown that the measurements are unique amongst a much broader portfolio of tests that are carried out on candidate molecules. The focus of this work strand will be to develop new approaches to stressing proteins in a controlled manner.

You will be required to bring your understanding of fluid mechanics and fluid-flow equipment design to create new approaches to both stressing and evaluating protein response. As samples are limited, you will have experience in working with micro- and milli-fluidic systems. This will involve working with other scientists to identify appropriate physics-based measurement techniques and working with a unique range of protein samples developed within this project to quantify their behaviour. Within the wider team, you will be proactive in presenting your findings including to industrial partners and preparing your data for publication.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

Benefits

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.