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Research Associate in AI-Accelerated Microgel Design Grade 7

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University of Liverpool

27d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Science
    Research & Development
  • Liverpool

AI generated summary

  • You should have expertise in soft materials design, familiarity with coding, and excellent transferable skills to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team on microgel formulations.
  • You will develop microgel formulations for jawbone regeneration, modify synthesis protocols, perform high-throughput characterization, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Requirements

  • We are seeking an individual with expertise in soft materials design to join our multidisciplinary team developing advanced microgel formulations for pre-clinical testing in tissue engineering and accelerating wound-healing.
  • Microgel formulation is a complex multivariate problem, combining fundamental rules-of-thumb from Soft Matter Physics with the principles of Synthetic Chemistry and Process Engineering.
  • This project would suit code-minded or code-curious scientists with a working familiarity of soft materials who want to work at the forefront of translational biomaterials.
  • The project requires a candidate with excellent transferable skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of partners (academic and industrial).
  • You will work closely in a multidisciplinary team with Dr Forth, Dr Sharratt and the Project Lead, Dr Katarzyna Gurzawska-Comis, at the University of Liverpool.
  • The position combines both research and innovation functions and involves liaison with key stakeholders within the University and with external, European academic and industrial partners.
  • You will have access to cutting-edge facilities at the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), an £81 million state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced materials research and work at the forefront of computationally accelerated materials discovery.
  • This post is fixed term for 3 years commencing May 2025.
  • If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.
  • Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.
  • Commitment to Diversity The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity.
  • We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Responsibilities

  • You will develop and undertake experimental workflows to formulate cytocompatible, injectable and printable microgel formulations for jawbone regeneration.
  • You will modify simple hydrogel synthesis protocols from the literature and apply them to a range of microgel fabrication methods, e.g., batch, microfluidic, and membrane emulsification.
  • Your work will emphasise material cytocompatibility and the incorporation of cell-interacting moieties whose properties will be probed in collaboration with cell biology and immunology groups.
  • High-throughput formulation and multiscale characterisation (rheology, laser-diffraction particle size analysis, confocal microscopy, computational image analysis, SAXS) methodologies will be used to generate a library of viable candidate formulations to be shipped to European partners for biological testing and to develop machine learning models that predict formulation properties.
  • Researchers will work in a highly dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with a multitude of stakeholders and partners in various institutions (academic and industrial).
  • The position combines both research and innovation functions and involves liaison with key stakeholders within the University and with external, European academic and industrial partners.
  • You will have access to cutting-edge facilities at the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), an £81 million state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced materials research and work at the forefront of computationally accelerated materials discovery.

FAQs

What is the primary focus of this Research Associate position?

The primary focus is on developing advanced microgel formulations for pre-clinical testing in tissue engineering and accelerating wound-healing, utilizing machine learning and high-throughput methodologies.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field, alongside expertise in soft materials design, is required. Candidates should also have a familiarity with machine learning methods and high-throughput experimentation.

Where will this position be based?

This position will be based in the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Liverpool, specifically in the cutting-edge Materials Innovation Factory (MIF).

Is experience with machine learning necessary for this role?

While not mandatory, familiarity with machine learning methods is highly beneficial for developing predictive models for formulation properties.

Who will I be working with in this project?

You will work closely with Dr Forth, Dr Sharratt, and the Project Lead, Dr Katarzyna Gurzawska-Comis, within a multidisciplinary team environment.

What is the duration of this position?

This post is fixed-term for 3 years, commencing in May 2025.

Are informal enquiries accepted regarding this role?

Yes, informal enquiries are welcomed. You can contact Dr Joe Forth or Dr Will Sharratt via the provided email addresses.

What happens if I have not yet been awarded my PhD by the time of hire?

If you are still awaiting your PhD award, you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation of your PhD award, your salary will increase to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Does the University of Liverpool promote diversity in its hiring process?

Yes, the University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity and actively seeks to attract, develop, and retain colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Will I have access to any special facilities for my research?

Yes, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Materials Innovation Factory, dedicated to advanced materials research and computationally accelerated materials discovery.

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University of Liverpool

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The University of Liverpool is one of the great centres of research, knowledge and innovation. Our pioneering reputation attracts students, experts and partners from around the world. Through our research, teaching and collaborations we seek to be life changing and world shaping.