Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to February 2026

Background

To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research, through publication and collaboration with other beneficiaries in the consortium as appropriate to the area of the synthesis, design and modelling of antimicrobial peptides included in nano coatings or aqueous polymer solutions as outlined in the Horizon Europe STOP application. 

To be part of a team within Metallurgy and Materials and work in collaboration with the School of Dentistry and the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing to design and synthesise novel antimicrobial peptides for use in antimicrobial water borne polymer-based formulations that can be sprayed on metal, polymer and ceramic surfaces in settings such as transport, hospitals and nursing homes.

Work within a research project funded by Horizon Europe (STOP project, grant agreement 101057961; www.stop-pathogens.eu ).

About the project

The STOP project aims to develop antimicrobial and antiviral nanocoatings that can be flexibly or permanently applied to high-touch surfaces. These nanocoatings are derived from a combination of inorganic nanoparticles, antimicrobial peptides and nanoscale laser surface patterning. The nanocoatings are thoroughly characterised for their efficacy, using both existing international standards and improved testing methods developed within the project.

Role Summary

• Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation.
• Publish results of own research.
• Co-supervise Masters and PhD research students.
• PhD or equivalent research experience on antimicrobial peptide design (using machine learning developed algorithms) and chemical synthesis.
• Possesses sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in computational modelling techniques of peptides and proteins such as algorithm development, and molecular dynamics, and other novel techniques to work within the Horizon Europe STOP project. 

Person Specification

• First degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biomaterials Science, Biosciences, Microbiology.
• A PhD (or near to completion) in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology or Biomaterials Science with expertise in peptides, peptide synthesis and use of AI (machine learning, molecular dynamics) for the design, synthesis and simulation of antimicrobial peptides/proteins interactions with cells/bacteria and materials surface.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in open access AI systems such as Alphafold and Pep-fold.
• Proven ability to develop new antimicrobial peptides with the help of AI (machine learning, algorithm development) to accelerate discovery of effective peptide sequences.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and generally support the organisation of scientific meetings/workpackage meetings/consortium meeting in STOP.
• Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary project and work in the interface of materials-chemistry-biology

For informal inquiries please contact Artemis Stamboulis, [email protected]

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply button

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