Post-doctoral Research Associate in Nanoscale Biophysics

Grade 7, Salary scale £37,999 - £47,874

FT 36 months Fixed Term

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity to join an internationally leading research team of scientists based across Keele University’s Faculty of Science and Faulty of Medicine and Health Sciences. 

You will work on an EPSRC funded multi-disciplinary project titled “Probing the origin and evolution of low-oxidation state iron and copper nanoparticles in the brain” (EPSRC reference EP/X031403/1). This is a joint project in collaboration with leading scientists at the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham and will build on recent discoveries of metal-based nanoparticles in the brain that exist in unexpected oxidation states. The project seeks to understand metal-protein interactions in the brain connected with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. It will explore the origin and evolution of the nanoparticles, considering the possibility of sources both internal and external to the body. The project outcomes could therefore have significant implications for the development of new drugs and earlier diagnosis for diseases such as Alzheimer's, as well impacting on research that implicates environmental pollutants in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. 

We are looking for two post-doctoral research associates to join this exciting project in the areas of nanoscale biophysics, and neuro-metallobiology (advertised separately). The successful candidate for the role of post-doctoral research associate in nanoscale biophysics will support project work packages to develop and apply a range of different methods to investigate nanoscale metal deposits in brain tissue, including x-ray synchrotron techniques and specialist nanoscale magnetism techniques. Further to this they will support experiments to characterise nanoparticulates in environmental samples collected from areas of high air pollution, as well as performing investigations to evaluate the physico-chemical mechanisms that could drive the oxidation state of nanoparticles in the brain.

You will have (or have submitted a thesis for examination) a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant biomedical engineering or physical sciences discipline.

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

How to Apply

To apply online for this vacancy and for full post details and copies of job descriptions, please click on the 'Apply' button above. 

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link. 

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Neil Telling (n.d.telling@keele.ac.uk). Applications to this address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 2^nd February 2025

Interviews will be held on: Date to be confirmed