Research Associate in Biomedical/Biochemical Engineering

Overview

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be contributing to two projects, an EPSRC funded project and a Kidney Research UK (KRUK) funded project. Both projects aim to utilise a novel, highly elastic and adhesive medium chain length Polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) along with a short chain length PHA (scl-PHA) for enhanced processability. PHAs are a family of green, sustainable, biodegradable, bioresorbable and highly biocompatible polymers, produced using bacterial fermentation.

The bioprocess used for the production of the PHAs is a fed batch fermentation. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead or actively engage in carrying out the optimised fermentation 15L scale and then if required scale up the production of the polymer to at least a 30L fermentation. Once the polymer production is established, they will utilise the polymer for 3D printing of PHA-based patches with controlled temporal and spatial drug release in the EPSRC project. This work will be in collaboration  with University College London. The KRUK grant will involve the production of 3D models using 3D printing, melt electro-writing and electrospinning, followed by cell culture work to be carried out using relevant kidney cell types in collaboration with Bristol University.

Main duties and responsibilities

• You will be responsible for the production of mcl-PHA and scl-PHA at 7L/15L/30L reactor volume in conjunction with other members of the Roy Lab.
• You will be responsible for the isolation, purification, and characterisation of the mcl-PHA and the scl-PHA.
• You will carry out 3D printing/melt electro-writing/electrospinning of the mcl-PHAs in conjunction with other members of the Roy Lab.
• You will actively participate in all the Roy Lab and Biomaterials Research Group activities and take the lead role when expected to do so.
• You will assist Professor Roy in managing the day to day running of the RoyLab.
• You will participate in undergraduate and postgraduate training activities in relation to project students in the Roy Lab.
• You will participate in teaching activities if required.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole.
• 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.
• You will 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.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Hold a PhD in biomedical/biochemical engineering or a related area

Essential

Application

Have experience with 3D printing/melt electro-writing/electrospinning of polymers

Essential

Application/interview

Good time management and ability to meet targets well and in a timely fashion

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to support both undergraduate and postgraduate student projects

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to contribute to research proposal development

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to manage and lead the day to day running of a large research group

Essential

Application/interview

Have experience in microbial fermentation ranging from shaken flask cultures to large scale fermentations

Desirable

Application/interview

Have experience in scaling up optimised fermentations preferably up to 30L reactor volume

Desirable

Application/interview

Have experience in the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates using bacterial fermentation

Desirable

Application/interview

Have experience with Biomaterials, their isolation and characterisation

Desirable

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

Grade 7

Salary

£38,784 - £41,064 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Fixed-term for 11 months

Line manager

Pofessor Ipsita Roy, Professor of Biomaterials

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ipsita Roy, Professor of Biomaterials: on I.Roy @sheffield.ac.uk .

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of 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 cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.