At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce and optimise Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based Nerve Guidance Conduits and assess biocompatibility with nerve cells.
- Company: Join the Royce Industrial Collaboration Program at the University of Sheffield, a leader in biochemical engineering research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working opportunities, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term position from 01/07/2026 to 30/11/2026.
- Why this job: Contribute to innovative nerve repair solutions while collaborating with PHAsT Ltd. on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: PhD in Biochemical Engineering or equivalent experience, with expertise in bacterial fermentation and polymer production.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 39906 £ per year.
The Research Associate will work within the Royce Industrial Collaboration Program funded project ‘PHA based Nerve Guidance Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Repair’. The role involves producing Polyhydroxyalkanoate‑based Nerve Guidance Conduits (NGCs), optimising fermentation processes, characterising polymer blends, and evaluating biocompatibility with nerve cells. The work will progress from laboratory scale to up‑scaling fermentations and collaboration with PHAsT Ltd. to fabricate NGCs.
Responsibilities
- Optimise production of mcl‑PHA and scl‑PHA up to 30 L working volume.
- Isolate, purify and characterise mcl‑PHA and scl‑PHA.
- Assist PHAsT Ltd. with creation of dog‑bone shaped blend formulations, injection moulding, and mechanical characterisation.
- Assess biocompatibility of PHAs, blends, and NGCs with nerve cells.
- Actively participate in all Roy Lab activities and take the lead when required.
- Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate training activities.
- Participate in teaching activities if required.
- Make ethical decisions and embed University sustainability strategy into work activities.
- Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community values unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly, we encourage you to apply and reference the application criteria in your statement.
Essential Criteria
- Hold a PhD in Biochemical Engineering or a related area (or close to completion) or have equivalent experience.
- Have experience in bacterial fermentation ranging from 1 L to 100 L and optimisation.
- Have experience scaling up optimised bacterial fermentations up to 30–100 L working volume.
- Have experience in the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates via bacterial fermentation.
- Good time management and ability to meet targets.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing, and presentation experience.
- Ability to assess, organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
- Ability to contribute to research proposal development.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with Biomaterials, their isolation and characterisation.
- Experience with cell culture.
- Experience motivating and communicating with a team of staff.
Further Information
- Grade: 7
- Salary: £38,784 – £39,906 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Duration: Fixed‑term from 01/07/2026 – 30/11/2026
- Line manager: Professor of Biomaterials
- Direct reports: N/A
- Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
- Contact for informal enquiries: i.roy@sheffield.ac.uk
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holidays 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.
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
- A commitment to development and access to learning and mentoring schemes.
- A range of generous family‑friendly policies:
- Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- Access to menopause support in the workplace
- Paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
Equal Opportunities
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.
Benefits Link
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits
Research Associate in Biochemical Engineering employer: The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield offers a supportive environment with a commitment to development and mentoring. Located in Sheffield, it provides generous family-friendly policies and a minimum of 41 days annual leave. The Royce Industrial Collaboration Program focuses on impactful research in biochemical engineering.
Contact Details:
The University of Sheffield Recruitment Team
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