Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Fixed-term contract up-to December 2026

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work in the area of cytocompatible polymer synthesis. The aim of the project is to develop polymeric coatings for mammalian cells to enhance cell functions and facilitate cell-cell interactions. The project will be hosted in the Arno lab, in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham and is part of an EPSRC funded project. However, there will be the opportunity to visit collaborators in industry and abroad.

The postholder will be responsible for all aspects of the project which will include synthesis, data interpretation, cell culture handling and monitoring of cell behaviour through live cell assays. Training will be provided in all of the component techniques but demonstrable experience in a number of the aspects is required. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project it presents an outstanding opportunity to learn more about biomaterials and cell engineering.

• To undertake research into the development of polymeric cell coatings and to characterise the resultant materials under the supervision of Dr Maria Chiara Arno
• To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the project as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
• To play an active role within the research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You may supervise research students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment
• To participate in the collaborative meetings and work with the project collaborators

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally a higher degree (PhD or one near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Excellent research profile in the area of organic and polymer synthesis and/or cell culture methodologies
• Proven experience in the development of novel functional polymeric materials, with desirable experience in cell culture techniques
• High level analytical capability and experience in use of characterisation of polymers by a range of techniques including NMR, IR, chromatography, DSC, etc. Desirable: experience in confocal fluorescence microscopy and live cell assays
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques
• Ability to keep up to date with new developments in the fields relevant to the project
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research programmes
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines
• Ability to write and give presentations to both national and international audience standard and communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to install and maintain relevant equipment and to train other personnel on operation of this equipment
• Excellent writing skills and record of success in published papers

Informal enquiries to Dr Maria Chiara Arno, m.c.arno@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Closes: 20/01/2025

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