Senior Research Associate in Soft Matter

University of Bristol - School of Physics

Location:	Bristol
Salary:	£43,482 to £50,253 Grade J / Pathway 2, per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	6th January 2026
Closes:	20th January 2026
Job Ref:	ACAD108417

The role

A Senior Research Associate position in the School of Physics at the University of Bristol is currently available. The successful applicant will work in the Soft Matter research group of Prof. Jennifer McManus, examining protein phase transitions associated with biomolecular condensation in-vitro using a range of scattering and fluorescence microscopy techniques. The overall aim is to understand the molecular drivers for protein phase transitions in solution and in complex systems. The research group collaborates and works with researchers in the Schools of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Mathematics at the University of Bristol and our research is highly interdisciplinary, with opportunities for collaboration nationally and internationally. More information about our research can be found here:

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Jennifer-McManus-4837d47c-f6a4-4f9c-b3be-e498cec71b74/

What will you be doing?

The project builds on the Soft Matter and Biophysics expertise of the McManus lab in characterising and understanding phenomena such as phase separation and self-assembly in protein solutions (McManus et. al. (2016) Curr Opin Coll Int Sci 22, 73; James et. al (2015) Phys Chem Chem Phys 17, 5413; McManus et. al. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci 104, 16856).

You should apply if

This post would suit applicants ideally with a PhD in Physics or a related field. We are especially interested in researchers with experience in experimental soft matter or biological physics/quantitative biology, with good wet lab skills. Experience of using techniques, such as light, X-ray, or neutron scattering and/or fluorescence techniques such as TIRF, FRAP, FCS, STED or PALM/STORM etc for soft matter or biophysics will be an advantage.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term until 01/01/2027 or until the postholder's return

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 20/01/26

The interviews are anticipated to take place on 27/01/26

For informal queries, please contact:

Jennifer McManus, Professor and Head of School in Physics Email: Jennifer.mcmanus@bristol.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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