Postdoctoral Research Associate - Grade 7

Hours of work: Full-time

Tenure: Fixed term until July 2027

Professor Sheng Qi’s research group in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Liverpool develops innovative pharmaceutical materials, drug delivery systems and medical devices to address unmet clinical needs. We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biomaterials or regenerative medicine to lead a BRITE Pump Prime-funded project to develop a contact lens-based regenerative cell therapy for the treatment of Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defect (PCED).

The project will investigate the design, fabrication and evaluation of an advanced contact lens platform capable of supporting the delivery of regenerative cells and promoting corneal repair You will work within a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of biomaterials, cell therapy, pharmaceutical sciences and medical device development, contributing to the generation of proof-of-concept data that will support future translational and commercialisation activities.

The BRITE (Biologics Regional Innovation Technology Ecosystem) programme, funded by UKRI Research England, is a collaborative initiative across the Liverpool City Region that supports the translation and commercialisation of innovative biologics and advanced healthcare technologies by strengthening regional research, innovation and scale-up capabilities. The programme aims to accelerate the development of life-changing therapies while fostering academic-industry collaboration and economic growth.

You should have a PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomaterials Science, Regenerative Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tissue Engineering, or a closely related discipline, and experience of cell culture, biomaterials development, medical device research, regenerative medicine approaches, and/or translational biomedical research. Experience in ocular drug delivery, contact lens technologies, advanced therapeutics, or cell-based therapies would be advantageous.

The post is available from Oct 2026 for 9 months.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 1 September 2026 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above. 

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