Senior Research Associate in Molecular Simulations of the Human Skin Barrier in Clifton

We are seeking a talented computational researcher to join the Notman group at the University of Bristol, contributing to a Royal Society-funded research programme investigating the molecular basis of human skin barrier function and permeability.

The skin provides a remarkable barrier to the external environment but also presents a major challenge for the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Understanding how the organisation and dynamics of skin lipids influence barrier properties is essential for developing more effective approaches to topical and transdermal drug delivery.

Our research uses molecular simulation to investigate these processes at the molecular level. You will contribute to advancing our understanding of skin lipid organisation, molecular permeability and the mechanisms by which chemical compounds influence barrier properties.

This position offers opportunities to undertake new research, develop computational methodologies, publish scientific findings and contribute to the development of reproducible simulation and analysis workflows. The post is fixed-term until 31 August 2027, based at the University of Bristol. Full-time working is anticipated, although part-time and flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, will be considered at minimum 21 hours/0.6 FTE.

What will you be doing?

• Designing, performing and analysing molecular dynamics simulations of skin lipid membranes to investigate their structure, dynamics and permeability.
• Investigating computational approaches to improve sampling of complex skin lipid systems.
• Analysing existing simulation datasets and undertaking further computational investigations to address outstanding research questions.
• Preparing and contributing to scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Developing reproducible computational workflows, including Python-based analysis tools, and supporting the organisation and management of research datasets and code repositories.
• Assisting with the supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate research students in computational methodologies.

You should apply if

• You have a PhD or are near completion, or equivalent research experience in an academic, industrial or clinical setting equivalent to a PhD.
• You have experience of molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS or equivalent software.
• You have strong Python programming skills and experience using Linux-based high-performance computing facilities.
• You have published at least one peer-reviewed research paper and have experience preparing scientific manuscripts.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, can work independently and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• You have experience of lipid membrane simulations, enhanced sampling methods, or computational methodology development. Presenting research at national or international conferences would be advantageous.

Additional information

• Contract type: Fixed term until 31/08/2027
• Work pattern: Full-time/1.0 FTE (part-time and flexible arrangements considered)
• Grade: J
• School/Unit: School of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 15 November 2026. Interviews will take place in week commencing 23 November 2026.

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