Postdoctoral Research Associate (2 Posts)

Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) has been awarded £6.1m in funding from the UK Government Department of Science, Industry and Technology (DSIT), with a further £7.1m in potential co-funding from partners including Science Card and Bruntwood SciTech. The funding has been made through the Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) programme, which was set up to provide funding to take truly novel ideas from concept to transformative technology. The award will fund the MEMetic project, which will develop nature-inspired (biomimetic) polymer membranes for water filtration. MEMetic involves Professor Alan Goddard, Professor Roslyn Bill and Dr Alice Rothnie, from the School of Biosciences and Dr Matthew Derry and Prof. Paul Topham, from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies.

Separating molecules from water is a fundamental challenge across sectors, from wastewater treatment to blood dialysis. Current filtration technologies rely on sequential separation steps based on the properties of the molecules, sometimes up to a dozen. However, biology has evolved a solution to this, developing proteins that sit within membranes to selectively transport a specific molecule across it. MEMetic embeds these specific biological transporters in sustainably produced plastic membranes to create bioinspired membranes capable of selectively removing a specific molecule, such as antibiotics, heavy metals and nutrients, from water in a single step. Additionally, MEMetic's membranes can concentrate the molecules of interest, making it perfect for recovering valuable resources from water, like phosphate and lithium. The technology could also, for example, be used in low-energy desalination or to remove toxic contaminants.

As part of this significant research project, we are seeking 5 talented postdoctoral researchers who are committed to translating fundamental science into real-world impact. Each of the roles will have a distinct focus, but we are an interdisciplinary team and the ability to work across traditional boundaries, coupled to significant disciplinary expertise, is essential. For details of all the roles available please visit MEMetic | Aston University 

For this particular role we are seeking to appoint 2 researchers who will focus on the production and characterisation of sustainable polymers with tuneable physicochemical properties.  

You will join a dynamic team of researchers across the biology/chemistry/materials interface and have opportunities to develop your skills in directions that are beneficial to you and the project.

All appointments will be for 3 years in the first instance with possible extension depending on the state of the project and funding availability.

For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Matthew Derry (m.derry@aston.ac.uk)

The salary and job description for this role are likely to meet the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. Please see the Home Office Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk.

Interview Date:  Friday 23 May 2025