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- Tasks: Design and develop bioinspired soft robots for targeted drug delivery to cancer sites.
- Company: Join a leading research team at the forefront of biomaterials and oncology.
- Benefits: Market-leading pension, health services, generous leave, and festive closures.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer treatment with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in biomaterials or related field; experience in nanomaterials development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in biomaterials to work within the Peptides BioNanomaterials Group (PBNG) and Experimental Oncology Group under the joint supervision of Dr Mohamed Elsawy and Dr Katie Finegan. The post holder will be part of both groups, which are based at Stopford Building. The candidate will support the aims of our interdisciplinary project for the engineering of bioinspired soft robots for localised drug delivery, funded by the UK Research and Innovation Cross Research Council Responsive Mode fund. The project is part of a cross‑Faculty collaboration focused on the rational design of peptide‑polymer based responsive hydrogels as soft actuators for the development of bioinspired soft robots for region‑specific drug delivery to colorectal cancer.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the design, synthesis, and characterisation of peptide‑polymer nanomaterials and responsive hydrogels.
- Conduct molecular, nanoscopic, mechanical, and in‑vitro biological characterisation.
- Work independently and contribute to interdisciplinary teams of biomaterial scientists and cancer biologists.
Qualifications
- PhD or equivalent experience in biomaterials, nanomaterials, or related field.
- Experience with nanomaterials development and characterisation (molecular, nanoscopic, mechanical and in‑vitro biological).
- Excellent communication, team‑working and organisational skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Benefits
- Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Research Associate: Snail-Inspired Soft Robots for High Precision Drug Delivery to Malignant Tumours in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate: Snail-Inspired Soft Robots for High Precision Drug Delivery to Malignant Tumours in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biomaterials and oncology fields. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your work with peptide-polymer nanomaterials and responsive hydrogels. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps demonstrate your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Peptides BioNanomaterials Group and the Experimental Oncology Group. Understand their projects and how your background fits in. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with nanomaterials development and characterisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate: Snail-Inspired Soft Robots for High Precision Drug Delivery to Malignant Tumours in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in biomaterials and nanomaterials. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or research!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this project and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our work.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since this role involves working in interdisciplinary teams, make sure to highlight any collaborative projects you've been part of. We value excellent communication and teamwork, so share examples that demonstrate these skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biomaterials and nanomaterials. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially any work related to peptide-polymer systems or drug delivery. This will show that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in the project.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working in interdisciplinary teams, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, particularly in research settings. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the groups you'll be working with. This could include inquiries about the specific challenges they face in developing soft robots or how they envision the collaboration between the biomaterial scientists and cancer biologists. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more.
✨Demonstrate Independence
The job requires the ability to work with minimal supervision, so be ready to provide examples of when you've successfully managed projects or tasks independently. Discuss how you approach problem-solving and decision-making in your research, which will reassure them of your capability to thrive in this role.