Research Associate (Anti-Biofouling Coatings)

Contract Type: Fixed term from as soon as possible to 3^rd January 2025

Are you interested in developing medical technologies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance?

We have an exciting opportunity in the Department of Chemistry for a talented individual to investigate anti-biofouling coatings for medical tubing in partnership with our industry collaborator, TekCyte Ltd.

The project will focus on the use of atmospheric plasma to apply hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) coatings onto the interior surface of medical catheters and assess their performance and antimicrobial properties.

You will join the Plasma-Materials Technology group led by Professor Rob Short at the University of Sheffield. You will be working on an EPSRC Impact Accelerator Account grant, with the position available from March 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This is a multi-disciplinary project spanning chemistry, materials science, healthcare technologies and microbiology. We are seeking candidates with a PhD in a relevant area (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences or Materials Science), or equivalent experience. As this role involves the assessment of anti-biofouling coatings, you will need experience/knowledge of microbiology. Previous experience with plasma coating techniques and/or atmospheric plasma systems would be beneficial. The ability to work independently is essential, while maintaining a strong team ethic with excellent communication skills. This project involves knowledge transfer between the University of Sheffield and industry collaborator TekCyte Ltd, therefore previous experience of working with industry is highly desirable.

You will be able to contribute significantly to the ongoing research of the Plasma-Materials Technology group, by designing, developing, and performing experiments, and should be able to disseminate findings by writing papers and abstracts and presenting ongoing work at conferences and seminars. By working alongside PDRAs, PhD and MSc students, you will also have opportunities to further develop your supervision and teaching skills.

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development. We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

To find out what makes the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work, watch this short film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LblLk18zmo, and follow @sheffielduni and @ShefUniJobs on Twitter for more information.

Apply now by clicking on the Apply button located at the top of your screen.

Advert information