Research Assistant in Cortisol Biosensing

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Research Assistant, with an interest in creating international impact in collaborative cortisol biosensing and contributing to the success of an UK-Turkey corSENSE partnership funded by The British Council.

CorSENSE aims at tackling a clear expertise gap and global healthcare need in cortisol biosensing technologies whilst addressing a development need at a partner country, Turkey, by empowering world-class research capabilities and gender-balanced expertise development in cortisol biosensing research and connecting local and international research communities to key stakeholders.

Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid released by the body in response to environmental stressors. When cortisol production is dysregulated (in a chronic, elevated state), individuals are susceptible to metabolic disorders, neuropathology’s, repeated infections and more. By quantifying cortisol levels in the body, relevant stress management techniques and/or medication can be prescribed to restore normal secretion patterns. Similar to glucose monitoring, cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the 24hr day cycle as a result of the body’s circadian rhythm common to virtually all life forms. CorSENSE will boost transference of skills and expertise and build new interdisciplinary research capabilities required for leadership in advanced biosensing strategies (optical, electrochemical and wearables) tuned to rapid and/or continuous monitoring of cortisol. This will be realised by bringing together world-class expertise at the Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical Technologies (CBio) at Bath in microfluidic assay development and biosensors development with experience in electrochemical and wearable sensors existing at parter Koç University.

CorSENSE involves six activities; the post holder is expected to directly contribute to all of those in a way that is sustainable and equitable within the time frame of the project:

• Dissemination Workshop at Turkey and a mini-conference in cortisol biosensing at Bath
• International research e-seminars series
• Mentoring and international exchange of researchers
• Collaborative Research Projects and Joint Competitive Proposals
• Mutual visits and Networking
• Monitoring of Diversity and Engagement

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

About you

• Post-graduate research experience in biosensing research and an interest in cortisol sensing.
• A Master level qualification in any area of science or engineering.
• Good communication skills & time management.
• Good organisational &  presentation skills.
• Good team player.
• Pro-active & able to brings tasks to completion.
• The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary environment.

Further information

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hour per week) fixed-term with an expected duration of 4 months.

For an informal discussion regarding the role please contact Dr Nuno Reis: nmr39@bath.ac.uk.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

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