Research Assistant - Clinical Translation of Supramolecular Dynamic Hydrogels for local Drug Delivery (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

We are actively looking for a Research Assistant to join the group of Professor Oren A. Scherman in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. The position will be based in the Melville Laboratory of Polymer Synthesis working in an interdisciplinary team with our industrial collaborators. The successful candidate will join an existing team working on the clinical translation of supramolecular hydrogels. They will be responsible for the synthesis and characterisation of the hydrogels as a drug delivery technology and formulation of various drugs and drug-loaded nanoparticles within the hydrogels.

Typical treatment of brain tumours such as Glioblastoma (GB) involves surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Injectable, self-healing and mechanically tuneable hydrogels have been designed and developed within the Scherman research group to match the mechanical properties of human tissue, overcoming many of the pitfalls associated with the current state-of-the art treatments. Mediated by dynamic crosslinks, our supramolecular hydrogels are designed to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in a spatiotemporally controlled manner for the treatment of glioblastoma and prevent tumour recurrence. These hydrogel materials represent a new treatment methodology for aggressive brain tumours and other hard to treat cancers.

Responsibilities and duties: This position will focus on the scale-up of the hydrogel synthesis, and preparation of a range of drug-loaded formulations alongside sterilisation protocols, and long-term stability studies. This role will also involve polymer characterisation, mechanical characterisation of hydrogels, drug-release studies and analysis; along with cytotoxicity studies of the hydrogel formulations. The successful candidate will take part actively in the research group and communicate their findings at weekly Scherman group meetings alongside providing quarterly updates for industrial partners. The role holder will be responsible for further development and validation of this drug-delivery system and technology transfer to industrial partners.

Skills, qualifications and experience: The applicant must hold a BSc, MSc in Chemistry/Materials Science or an equivalent/related discipline. The candidate should have some experience in design, synthesis and characterisation of (macro)molecules. Experience in polymer synthesis, mechanical characterisation, supramolecular chemistry, hydrogel formulation, and aseptic cell culture are desirable but not essential. Previous use of HPLC, rheometer, and GPC techniques could be advantageous. The candidate must have the ability to work effectively as part of a team, have strong interpersonal skills, be able to meet deadlines and work independently. The candidate should have experience in designing and standardising experiments with minimum supervision and a flexible scientific mindset.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the apply button above.

For informal enquires or further information please contact Prof Scherman (oas23@cam.ac.uk) or Dr McCune (Scherman Group Scientific Manager, jam211@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference MA41952 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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