Research Associate, Research Scientist, Biomedical Science

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to develop methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems for controlled stiffening and softening during live-cell imaging, enabling new research into mechanobiology, integrin-mediated cell-matrix interactions and mechanically regulated cell behaviour. The postholder will also help establish robust hydrogel workflows across the laboratory and develop applications for external research funding within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

• Developing and optimising methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel systems for controlled stiffening and softening during live-cell imaging.
• Characterising and validating hydrogel properties, reproducibility and compatibility with mammalian cell culture.
• Investigating integrin-dependent mechanobiology at cell-matrix adhesions, and preparing the findings for publication.
• Establishing robust hydrogel fabrication and quality-control workflows, and providing practical training and support to other members of the laboratory.
• Leading research outputs and developing applications for external research funding in collaboration with colleagues across relevant disciplines.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

• A PhD in materials science, biomaterials, bioengineering, cell biology or a closely related discipline, together with substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience at the interface of biomaterials and cell biology.
• Extensive hands-on experience of independently developing, adapting and troubleshooting multiple materially distinct biomaterial platforms for biological research, including their application to patient-derived cancer-cell models.
• An established research track record in mechanobiology and experience investigating receptor-mediated mechanotransduction, including GPCR/G-protein, integrin or related cell-surface signalling systems.
• Extensive experimental expertise in investigating receptor-mediated signalling using complementary biochemical, cellular and imaging approaches. This should include protein functionalisation, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation, small-GTPase activity assays and cellular fractionation, together with experience of super-resolution microscopy, such as STED or an equivalent technique, and analysis of transcriptomic datasets, such as bulk RNA sequencing.
• Evidence of research independence and leadership appropriate to a senior postdoctoral researcher, including leading research outputs and experience developing research grant and fellowship applications.

• Experience working with hyaluronic acid-based, methacrylated or other photocrosslinkable hydrogel systems, including the use of light-mediated approaches to control biomaterial fabrication or material properties.
• Experience applying quantitative live-cell imaging to investigate cell-material interactions or mechanically regulated cell behaviour, including the use of microfluidic devices to examine the effects of physical forces on cell behaviour and function.
• Experience characterising the physical or mechanical properties of biomaterials using techniques such as rheology, atomic force microscopy or mechanical testing.
• Experience measuring integrin activation, focal-adhesion signalling or related cell-matrix adhesion processes.
• Experience establishing reproducible laboratory workflows and providing practical training or technical support to other researchers.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

(Grades 6-9)

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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