Research Assistant (0.7 fte, Fixed term for 3 months)

Salary Range

£30,488 - £36,023 pro rata per annum

School/Department

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant for 3 months (May to July 2024) working 3.5 days per week on a funded project “Nanocarrier vaccines: a versatile approach for non-parenteral pneumococcal vaccine”.

The project involves nanoparticle (NPs) preparation incorporating antigen and spray-drying to produce nanocomposite microcarriers (NCMPs). You will perform stability studies over a designated timescale, temperature and humidity conditions determining NPs and protein antigen stability, integrity, antigenicity. The immunogenicity will be assessed in vitro  using dendritic cells.

You should have, or be expecting soon to obtain, a Ph.D. with a strong background in nanoparticle formulation science related to vaccine/biomacromolecules delivery, and cell/molecular biology (cell viability assays, SDS-PAGE, western-blot, ELISA, flow cytometry). Furthermore, an ability to analyse data, communicate information in oral and written form and a willingness to assist day-to-day running of the project are essential. In addition, you will be expected to integrate with other researchers within the group to maximise the outputs from the project. Refer to person specification for full details.                      

Informal enquiries may be made to Prof Imran Saleem ([email protected]), Liverpool John Moores University, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, England. Tel. 0151 231 2265.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).