Research Associate in Human Brain Tissue Modelling

The role

We are seeking to hire a Research Associate on an MRC-funded project to develop and apply advanced tissue models of the human brain. We are looking for a research scientist with a high degree of innovative spirit and enthusiasm to operate at the cutting edge of biomaterials and cell biology. You will join the Armstrong Group, a vibrant research team seeking to develop new biomaterials and technologies for in vitro tissue modelling and regenerative medicine (www.TheArmstrongGroup.co.uk). You will be embedded into a highly communal and interdisciplinary research environment, in which group members with diverse backgrounds in biology, chemistry, and engineering work together using latest advances in cell biology, biomaterials science, bioprinting, ultrasound, and organoid/tissue engineering. The research group is well funded by major awards from the MRC, BBSRC, ERC, and BHF, and you will work in a modern laboratory within the Dorothy Hodgkin Building that is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment needed for cell culture, materials synthesis, bioprinting, mechanical analysis, and molecular biology. You will also benefit from close proximity to cutting-edge core infrastructure supported by facility technicians, for instance, advanced light and electron microscopy at the Wolfson Bioimaging Facility. You will be line managed by Dr James Armstrong (Associate Professor in Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow) who has an award-winning approach to supervision and is strongly committed to the scientific training, pastoral mentorship, and career development of his team.

What will you be doing?

Your role will include the following elements:

• Work to develop and apply advanced in vitro models of the human brain.
• Conceive and implement new project ideas and research directions.
• Attend, present, and contribute to relevant seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Disseminate research output (e.g., reports, papers, patents, chapters, books, posters, talks).

A full list of roles and responsibilities is available on the job description.

You should apply if

You should apply if you have the independence and drive to conduct an internationally competitive postdoctoral project, while also contributing positively to a vibrant and communal research environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds but we do require the candidate to hold, or be closing to completing, a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g., cell biology, materials science, bioengineering) and ideally to have experience in either neural cell culture, organoids, or biomaterials.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed funding for 18 months)

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 13/05/2026

For informal queries please contact: James Armstrong (Associate Professor in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering) james.armstrong@bristol.ac.uk

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