Research Associate in Antibacterial Bioactive Glass Composites

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join a dynamic research group led by Professors Cheryl Miller, Dr Ilida Ortega and Dr Luke Green.  within the School of Clinical Dentistry. In collaboration with Dr Edward Draper (School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering), this ambitious multidisciplinary research programme involves the fabrication and characterization of a medical device based on bioactive glasses for the treatment and prevention of bone infections.  The successful candidate will be working alongside other postdoctoral scientists at the engineering and physical/life science interfaces.

We seek a talented and highly motivated researcher with experience in biomaterial fabrication and characterisation. Hands-on experience of in vitro cell culture, with a particular focus on bone tissue regeneration, alongside experience of basic microbiological techniques would be highly desirable for this post.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist with relevant research as directed by the project proposal in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan.
• Maintenance of all equipment and supplies required for the project work.
• Work independently and alongside the project partners to meet the project objectives.
• Keep accurate, detailed log books of all experimental work and storage of data on secured university servers.
• Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.
• Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
• Prepare all project reports and presentations, including presentations to key stakeholders.
•  Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan; this involves planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements for the project.
• Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to understand the context of the project to the wider literature.
• Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders. This includes preparing written project reports, giving presentations at project meetings and if appropriate conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.
• Maintain a degree of confidentiality to protect commercial assets developed within the project.As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• A PhD in relevant subject area (assessed at: application)
• An undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject area. e.g. material science or similar) (assessed at: application)
• Proven ability in research and evidence of research output (assessed at application)
• Specialist knowledge of biomaterials fabrication, including glasses and polymeric materials (assessed at application & interview)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into accessible language (assessed at application)
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team on research programmes (assessed at application)

Desirable criteria

• Hands-on experience in cell culture techniques and biocompatibility assays as well as in protocols for bone tissue regeneration assessment (assessed at application/interview)
• Hands-on experience in biomaterials characterisation including electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheology and other relevant techniques for the characterisation of glasses and polymers (assessed at application/interview)
• Experience of basic microbiological techniques including growth of bacteria and antimicrobial testing (assessed at application/interview)
• Evidence of a high level of self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision  (assessed at application/interview)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience working in/with industry and collaborating with partners across diverse disciplines (non-clinical and clinical academia, healthcare) (assessed at application)
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines (assessed at application)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary:£37,199 - £39,105

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 1.3.2025 - 31.07.2026

Line manager: Principle Investigator & Work Package lead

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Prof Cheryl Miller (Professor of Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine): on c.a.miller@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 3 weeks of the closing date. This will consist of an interview including a presentation.. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Mrs Jennie Young on j.l.young@sheffield.ac.uk.