Research Associate - Mathematical Modelling for Microfluidics

Job reference: SAE-031071
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Mathematics
Hours Per Week: 35 hours per week (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 07/04/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 6 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Applications are invited for the above post, to start in April 2026 for a fixed term of six months.

The successful applicant will work with Dr Alice Thompson on modelling fluid flow and transport in microfluidic devices used as proxies for the vaginal microbiome. The project will involve first principles mathematical modelling, analytical and/or numerical solution of simplified PDEs for flow physics and critical comparison with experimental observations of flow, transport and cellular growth.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Alice Thompson (alice.thompson@manchester.ac.uk).

The Department and University are committed to the well-being and work-life balance of all staff. We have a package of family-friendly policies covering flexible working, career breaks and entitlement to paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave. For more details on these and other benefits see http://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/ .

The Department is fully committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science and is a supporter of the LMS Good Practice Scheme; for more details of our activities relating to Social Responsibility see http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/connect/social-responsibility/.

This is a full-time post but applications from individuals seeking part time, job share or flexible working arrangements are welcome.

Applications should normally be made online. Please append a brief research statement (maximum 2 sides A4, excluding references) to your CV. If you are unable to apply online please request an application form by emailing recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk quoting the reference number or by calling +44 (0)161 275 4499. Please note that referees will only be contacted once shortlisting is complete.

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 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 recruitmentservices.people@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 Alice Thompson

Email: alice.thompson@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.

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