Research Associate

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a materials chemistry project focused on the design and development of novel drug delivery systems (DDS) for long-term therapeutic applications. You will work within a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with an industrial partner to support the translation of research into real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Take responsibility in leading and managing the project
• Take lead in interacting with industrial collaborator
• Take leading role in the development of novel characterisation approaches and developing and testing new formulations
• Analyse and interpret data and make a significant input to the scientific direction of the project
• Prepare and present regular reports on research progress, produce publications and present at conferences
  
  
  

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

About You

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

Essential Criteria

• Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent)
• Specialist knowledge in the solids depot formulation drug delivery, peptide hydrogels
• Experience in research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes including HPLC, polymer characterisation, drug release measurements, basic cell culture
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong journal publication record
• Ability to evaluate complex data and contribute to scientific development
• Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes
• Experience liaising with a range of individuals and working collaboratively
  
  
  

General

• Contribute proactively to the development, progression and execution of the project
• Ensure that milestones and deadlines are achieved and that work is completed on time and within budget
• Provide clear and timely written work, producing reports and publishing in high quality publications
• Attend meetings and conferences and represent the group when necessary
• Contribute to teaching, supervision and wider research group activities
  
  
  

Our Benefits Include

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform
  
  
  

For more information, please see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate and pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community.

Enquiries

Name: Prof Alberto Saiani/Albert joseph Fedillaga

Email: a.saiani@manchester.ac.uk/albertjoseph.fedillaga@manchester.ac.uk

Further Information

General enquiries: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is available for a fixed term of 12 months from July 2026 and is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.