Research Associate

BACKGROUND

Applications are invited for a full time Research Associate to work on an exciting interdisciplinary research project. The post is funded by UKRI as part of a research grant entitled “Snail-Inspired Soft Robots for High Precision Drug Delivery to Malignant Tumours”. Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a rising public health threat in the UK (:44,000 cases/year), being the second common cause of cancer deaths (:10% of total mortality). This project aims to enable snail-inspired soft robots capable of regiospecific drug localisation for CRC therapy. It will use an interdisciplinary approach that combines novel skill sets within biomechanics, bionanomaterials, robotics, and cancer biology. Snail locomotion and actuation strategies will be investigated via computer simulations and studies of live animals, and this information will be used to design and realise robots for the controlled and precise localisation of targeted protein kinase inhibitors in malignant tissues. This approach is expected to overcome the key limitations of current drug delivery systems by enhancing selectivity and bioavailability while minimising off-site side effects.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The successful candidate needs to be keen on bioinspired robotics, able to disseminate research findings through various channels to maximize impact, and be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary project. The PDRA of the current post will work collaboratively with a second PDRA where the PDRA for this post will mainly be responsible for the Biomechanics, Robotics, and Digital Twin work packages, whereas the other PDRA will mainly be responsible for the Bionanomaterial and Cancer Biology work packages. The individual tasks of the project will be allocated depending on the existing skill sets and preferences of the PDRAs, with additional training provided by senior members of the team so that the PDRAs can work effectively as a team when required. The PDRA for this post will primarily: (1) conduct biomechanics experiments on live snails; (2) assist in developing computational digital twin and machine learning simulations; (3) build and test robotic prototypes; and (4) undertake developmental work including data analysis and paper drafting.

Notably, to counter research staff getting sidetracked by infrastructure issues, our team has specialised research support including a Research Software Engineer to enhance the digital twin infrastructure for this project, a Systems Administrator maintaining the digital/experimental software interface, and a Senior Experimental Officer for experimental work support.

This post involves three main aspects: experiments

on live snails; assistance with the development of digital twin simulations, and realisation of drug delivery soft robots. It is understood that no one candidate would be equally proficient in all three aspects. The input of the project supervisory team will be adapted to provide additional expertise and work input where required. Suitable candidates should have some demonstrated expertise/interest in relevant fields and be passionate and eager to learn and contribute to the other fields.

The team is keen to allow the best possible experience for the successful candidate as this project is expected to significantly advance the scientific careers of its postdoctoral researchers. They will receive training in diverse techniques, benefit from the collaborative environment, and engage with a broad research program encompassing biomechanics, robotics, computational modelling, materials, and drug delivery. The role also allows access to a wide range of expertise and facilities within the University of Manchester (e.g., Microsystems Lab, Animal Simulation Lab, Digital Twin facilities, Peptide Bionanomaterials Lab).

We are positive about flexible working and welcome conversations about arrangements such as job‑sharing, part‑time hours, condensed schedules, and hybrid working.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
  
  
  

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Mostafa Nabawy

Email: mostafa.ahmednabawy@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

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

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the