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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be contributing to two projects, an EPSRC funded project and a Kidney Research UK (KRUK) funded project. Both projects aim to utilise a novel, highly elastic and adhesive medium chain length Polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) along with a short chain length PHA (scl-PHA) for enhanced processability. PHAs are a family of green, sustainable, biodegradable, bioresorbable and highly biocompatible polymers, produced using bacterial fermentation.

The bioprocess used for the production of the PHAs is a fed batch fermentation. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead or actively engage in carrying out the optimised fermentation 15L scale and then if required scale up the production of the polymer to at least a 30L fermentation. Once the polymer production is established, they will utilise the polymer for 3D printing of PHA-based patches with controlled temporal and spatial drug release in the EPSRC project. This work will be in collaboration  with University College London. The KRUK grant will involve the production of 3D models using 3D printing, melt electro-writing and electrospinning, followed by cell culture work to be carried out using relevant kidney cell types in collaboration with Bristol University.

Main duties and responsibilities

• You will be responsible for the production of mcl-PHA and scl-PHA at 7L/15L/30L reactor volume in conjunction with other members of the Roy Lab.
• You will be responsible for the isolation, purification, and characterisation of the mcl-PHA and the scl-PHA.
• You will carry out 3D printing/melt electro-writing/electrospinning of the mcl-PHAs in conjunction with other members of the Roy Lab.
• You will actively participate in all the Roy Lab and Biomaterials Research Group activities and take the lead role when expected to do so.
• You will assist Professor Roy in managing the day to day running of the RoyLab.
• You will participate in undergraduate and postgraduate training activities in relation to project students in the Roy Lab.
• You will participate in teaching activities if required.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole.
• 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.
• You will carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• 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.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.