Research Associate in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry in Sheffield

We have an exciting opportunity for a seven-month Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic research group led by Prof. Steve Armes FRS within the Department of Chemistry and contribute to the development of a novel self-administered, needle‑free delivery platform for mRNA vaccines. This ambitious multidisciplinary research programme involves the design and synthesis of new stimulus‑responsive block copolymer vesicles for efficient intracellular mRNA delivery and subsequently mRNA vaccine delivery from a mucoadhesive oral patch.

The successful candidate will be working alongside other postdoctoral scientists at the engineering and physical/life science interfaces funded by a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engineering Biology Mission Award project led by Prof. Helen Colley. We seek a talented and highly motivated synthetic polymer chemist with experience of RAFT polymerisation and polymerisation‑induced self‑assembly (PISA). Hands‑on experience of 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, dynamic light scattering, aqueous electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, cell culture and 3D epithelial models is required for this post.

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, software 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.
• 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 reports for group meetings, including presentation of results to others within the project group.
• 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 conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.
• 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.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in synthetic polymer chemistry (Essential)
• Relevant undergraduate degree (Essential)
• Proven ability in research and evidence of research output (Essential)
• Specialist knowledge of RAFT polymerisation and polymerisation‑induced self‑assembly (PISA) (Essential)
• Hands‑on experience of the following analytical/biological techniques: 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, dynamic light scattering, aqueous electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, cell culture, 3D epithelial models (Essential)
• Experience of the synthesis and characterisation of diblock copolymer vesicles (Essential)
• Evidence of a high level of self‑motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision (Desirable)
• Experience of working either in industry or with industrial partners (Desirable)
• Proven ability to work with people across different disciplines with good interpersonal skills (Desirable)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (Essential)
• Ability to work independently or as part of a multi‑disciplinary team (Essential)
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines (Essential)

Benefits

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• Commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.

Equality & Diversity

We are a Disability Confident Leader. 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. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right.

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Steve Armes (s.p.armes@sheffield.ac.uk).