Research Associate

Job reference: BMH-032271
Salary: UoM Grade 6 £37,694
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Pharmacy and Optometry
Hours Per Week: Full time (1.0 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 30/09/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 12 months (start date 15th of October or as soon as practical)
School/Directorate: School of Health Sciences

This is an outstanding opportunity for a PhD, with a background in polymer science and drug delivery, to work within the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry under the supervision of Prof Alberto Saiani. The post holder will be part of the Polymer & Peptides Research Group, which is based at Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.

The candidate will support the aims of the project funded by Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC). This innovative project will study the design and development of novel in-situ forming sub-cutaneous solid depot for long term delivery of cancer drugs.

This position offers an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic, well-motivated individual to work as part of a sociable multi-disciplinary team consisting of PhD and PDRA. The ideal candidate will have excellent scientific and communication skills and will be able to work with minimal supervision leading the interaction with industrial collaborator Innovarus.

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 People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk 

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Please note that an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is required for this role.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Alberto Saiani
Email: a.saiani@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk 

Technical support:
Jobtrain Client Support Hub

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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