Research Associate/Fellow: Developing a self-assembling fluidic device as a model of the blood-brain barrier (fixed term)

Reference

SCI246121

Closing Date

Friday, 6th August 2021

Job Type

Research

Department

Pharmacy

Salary

£27511 to £30942 per annum, (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (£30942 with relevant PhD).

We are seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to join a multidisciplinary project funded by an ERC Proof-of-Concept Grant. The overall project aim is to establish a novel self-assembling microfluidic device to serve as an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team in the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

The aim of this post will be to use an interfacial co-assembly process between a disordered protein and graphene oxide (GO) to biofabricate a microfluidic device comprising capillary-like structures that resemble the native vasculature of the BBB. The fabrication process enables incorporation of relevant BBB cells to create vessels with tuneabe structural ad biomechanical features. The device will be characterized and compared to established devices and methodologies including murine models. The successful candidate will be responsible for fabrication, characterization, and validation of the novel self-assembling microfluidic device.

This work will be based within the School of Pharmacy and the Biodiscovery Institute (www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/research-areas/biodiscovery-institute/biodiscovery-institute.aspx ) and led by Prof. Alvaro Mata. The candidate will be required to undertake research and day-day management of this research project, requiring a high degree of competence, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative work. 

Candidates should have, be close to completion of, or have equivalent experience, a PhD in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or related discipline, together with an interest in biofabrication and supramolecular chemistry.

This full-time fixed term post is available from 1 September 2021 until 28 February 2023. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Relevant publications include:

• Wu et al.,  An interfacial self-assembling bioink for the manufacturing of capillary-like structures with tuneable and anisotropic permeability. Biofabrication 2021, 10.1088/1758-5090/abe4c3.
• Wu et al., Disordered protein-graphene oxide co-assembly and supramolecular biofabrication of functional fluidic devices. Nature Communications 2020, 10.1038/s41467-020-14716-z.

We pride ourselves on the collegial and supportive culture created by our staff.  We are dedicated to creating an environment which enables both our staff to thrive and achieve their potential.  Our commitment to Equality and Diversity has been recognised in the awarding of an Athena SWAN Award .

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Professor Alvaro Mata ([email protected]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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