Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Graphene Biopolymer Chemistry within the Nanomedicine Laboratory at the University of Manchester. The post is available immediately and will be tenable on a fixed term basis for 12 months (with potential to renew on a fixed term basis to 31 March 2020).
The Research Associate will undertake research in biopolymer and hydrogel chemistry, assembly, characterization and incorporation of graphene and 2D materials, as well as expand their expertise in the area of synthesis and characterization of graphene and 2D materials. The work will involve surface fabrication, characterization and functional assessment of different types of hydrogels and polymer-based coatings with the inclusion of graphene and other 2D materials, some of which may need to undergo chemical modification and incorporated within bio-polymer and/hydrogel matrices. You should be able to perform such experimental work alone or in collaboration with partner laboratories. Expert use of hydrogel self-assembly and polymer chemistry, along with a wide range of physicochemical and materials characterization techniques (Raman, AFM, SEM, TGA, laser light scattering, spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, ICPMS, XPS) will be essential. Experience with biol-polymers and biological investigations will be preferred. You should be able to interact effectively with researchers from a range of other disciplines to contribute to the programme of research.
Applicants should hold a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, materials science, or equivalent. They should also have demonstrable previous experience in the synthesis, assembly and characterization of bio-polymer or hydrogel matrices, preferably for biomedical purposes and in the chemical synthesis and modification of carbon nanomaterials and graphene. Previous experience in experimental research using of electron microscopy techniques (TEM, cryo-EM, tomography) and evidence of a developing research publication track record would be advantageous.