Research Associate in Biochemical Engineering
The Research Associate will be employed using funds from a Royce Industrial Collaboration Program Round 6 Grant entitled ‘PHA based Nerve Guidance Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Repair’. The project involves the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate‑based Nerve Guidance Conduits (NGCs) used for the repair of peripheral nerves after injury. NGCs are tubular scaffolds that are sutured within the gap of the two broken ends of an injured nerve, guiding regeneration.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are sustainable, biocompatible polymers produced via bacterial fermentation, providing advantages of sustainability, biocompatibility, controlled degradation, and excellent suturability compared with current NGCs. NGCs will be produced using melt extrusion of PHA‑based blends and will be characterised in depth for chemical, thermal, mechanical properties, degradation rates, and biocompatibility.
Responsibilities
* Optimise production of mcl‑PHA and scl‑PHA using established carbon sources up to 30L working volume.
* Isolate, purify, and characterise mcl‑PHA and scl‑PHA.
* Assist PHAsT Ltd. in creating dog‑bone‑shaped blend formulations by injection moulding and characterise mechanical properties and degradation rates.
* Assess biocompatibility of PHAs, their blends and NGCs with respect to nerve cells.
* Actively participate in Roy Lab activities and take lead roles when required.
* Participate in undergraduate and postgraduate training activities for project students in the Roy Lab.
* Participate in teaching activities if required.
* Make ethical decisions and embed the University sustainability strategy into work activities where possible.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Qualifications & Person Specification
Our diverse community recognises unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable. Please reference the application criteria in your application statement.
* Hold a PhD in Biochemical Engineering or a related area (or close to completion) or have equivalent experience (Essential).
* Have experience in bacterial fermentation ranging from 1L–100L large‑scale fermentations and optimisation (Essential).
* Have experience in scaling up optimised bacterial fermentations preferably up to 30–100L working volume (Essential).
* Have experience in the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates via bacterial fermentation (Essential).
* Have experience with biomaterials, their isolation and characterisation (Desirable).
* Have experience with cell culture (Desirable).
* Experience of motivating and communicating with a team of staff (Essential).
* Good time management and ability to meet targets on time (Essential).
* Effective communication skills, writing, reporting, and presentation skills (Essential).
* Ability to assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities (Essential).
* Ability to contribute to research proposal development (Essential).
Employment Details
* Salary: £38,784 – £39,906 per annum.
* Duration: Fixed‑term from 01/07/2026 to 30/11/2026.
* Work arrangement: Full‑time (on site).
* Line manager: Professor of Biomaterials.
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