AIME Postdoctoral Research Associate (Biobased micro and nanoparticles for drug delivery)

Infrastructure & Sustainable Eng

The newly established Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) is a unique, interdisciplinary, intersectoral research and training hub for translational membrane science. AIME is supported by a £10M grant from the Research England Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Programme and will synergistically combine world-leading expertise in membrane biology and novel polymer chemistries to establish a first-of-its-kind institute, expanding our distinctive excellence in computational membrane science, membrane structural determination and sustainable polymers research. Over the next five years, we will recruit 20 new colleagues to expand our new institute.

We now wish to recruit one Postdoctoral Research Associate to build capacity in AIME. This is an exciting opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary project and develop your independent skills. The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus and from home. This will be dependent on the activity. Further information on dynamic working can be found here.

You will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline and good knowledge and experience in two or more of the following disciplines: microbial bioprocessing; genetic engineering; cell biology, biomedical applications of magnetic and/or lipid nanoparticles; cell culture; and cancer research, as evidenced by your PhD thesis and/or authored papers in peer-reviewed journals. Familiarity with the fields of magnetotactic bacteria and metabolic engineering will be highly advantageous.

The post is available for a fixed term of 1 year with the possibility to extend two additional years. The ideal start date is 1^st December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. Please submit your application with contact details for at least 2 referees, a CV, and covering letter stating why you are interested in the topic and what you would bring to the project. 

You will find more information regarding the AIME project on our new research page. You can watch our new podcast on Aston University's Research Institute on YouTube. 

For further information please contact Dr Alfred Fernandez-Castane (a.fernandez-castane1@aston.ac.uk).

At Aston University we focus time, energy and resources on making this a great place to work. Please refer to our Aston University Benefits page where you can see how Aston recognises the contributions staff make and the comprehensive rewards and benefits packages available to staff. 

Below are some of the benefits of working with Aston University: 

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Dynamic working is possible for this role, which means working both on campus and from home dependent on the activity. Further information on dynamic working can be found here.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

Eligible for a salary discount or current visa holder.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they: 

• Are under 25 years old
• Hold a PhD that is relevant to the role
• Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 years
• Are already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Further details:
Job Description
University Information

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk