Senior Research Assistant in Biosciences

About the role

Joining a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team, you will support the project Investigators to drive forward research activities for the "Living Manufacture: An Engineered Living Materials based Fabrication Platform" project. We're in search of a dedicated, motivated, and innovative researcher to join the Living Construction research group in Northumbria University for this EPSRC-funded project. The primary objective of this project is to harness the unique capabilities of synthetic biology and microbial biotechnology to exert genetic control over bacterial cellulose (BC) production, aiming for modifications, enhancements, and customization through a streamlined process.

This is a The RA will focus on integrating synthetic biology and microbial biotechnology components into designs for a 3D bioreactor, whilst also optimising co-culturing methods and post-growth materials testing and characterisation. These materials will incorporate biologically derived colours, patterns, and additives, recording and optimising the resolution of these functions within the material using inducible promotors will be another goal associated to this role.

This project involves close collaboration with two key academic partners: the synthetic biology research group led by Prof Tom Ellis in Imperial College London, and the engineered biotechnology group led by Prof Harrison Steel at Oxford University. Additionally, the RA will work closely with other RAs on the project at Northumbria with expertise in fabrication of bioreactors, biodesign, materials testing, and co-culturing.

This a fixed term role, for a duration of 20 months.

About you

Applicants should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in synthetic biology, biomaterials, biofabrication, microbiology or biodesign. Being familiar with material-producing non-model microbes and co-culturing methods and material characterization is desirable. You should be able to work independently and as part of a team, and also possess multitasking abilities. Excellent communication (written and oral) and organisation skills are essential, and evidence in initiating and delivery scientific publication is required.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof Meng Zhang (meng.zhang@northumbria.ac.uk).

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

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