Research Fellow (Fixed term)

Location: Sutton Bonington

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to work on a project to develop self-assembled biomaterial-based in vitro models of plant roots to recreate and study the natural plant microbiome 

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary project funded by Human Frontiers Science Program Grant. The overall aim of the post will be to develop an in vitro model of plant roots using a self-assembled biomaterial based on the co-assembly of peptides with biomolecules such as proteins. The material will enable the incorporation of relevant cells and biological signals and be compatible with biofabrication techniques. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing the self-assembly process, characterization of the materials, fabrication of the scaffolds, and their biological validation.

This work will be based within the School of Pharmacy and the Biodiscovery Institute (www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/research-areas/biodiscovery-institute/biodiscovery-institute.aspx) and led by Prof. Alvaro Mata (School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical Engineering) and Prof. Gabriel Castrillo (Plant and Crop Sciences) at the University of Nottingham. The candidate will be required to undertake research and day-day management of this research project, requiring a high degree of competence, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative work.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Bioengineering, Biology, or related disciplines. It is desirable for the successful candidate to have considerable experience in one or more of the following: Self-assembling peptides; Polymer and peptide cross-linking; Cell and tissue culture; Hydrogels; Different microscopy techniques; Immunohistochemistry; Supramolecular chemistry.

A track record of publishing research is essential.

Relevant references include:

Wu et al, Matter 2024, 10.1016/j.matt.2023.10.029.

Hill et al, Current Opinion in Biotechnology 2022, 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.10.016.

Hedegaard CL and Mata Biofabrication 2020, 12 (3), 10.1088/1758-5090/ab84cb.

Wu et al, Nature Communications 2020, 11, 1182, 10.1038/s41467-020-14716-z.

This role is available from 1^st September 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed term contract for up to 2 years. Hours of work are full time (36.25 hours). Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Alvaro Mata, email a.mata@nottingham.ac.uk or Gabriel Castrillo, email gabriel.castrillo@nottingham.ac.uk.
Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.

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