Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 9 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work in the Device Materials Group with Professor Sohini Kar-Narayan in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy. The role will involve the design, fabrication and testing of a proposed medical device containing microfluidic force sensors for application in precision orthopaedic surgery.

The successful candidate will help support the work of Prof. Kar-Narayan in the area of 3d printed biomedical devices, and the role will involve (i) the design, fabrication and calibration of microfluidic force sensors, electrical and mechanical characterization of force sensors, design and modification of experimental setups as required; (ii) 3d printing of joint trial implant parts, including characterization of resins, and mechanical characterization of 3d printed parts; (iii); assembly of sensor-loaded 3d printed implants devices, including full mechanical and electrical characterization of integrated devices; (iv) management of health and safety documentation relevant to the project; (v) documentation of design processes and fabrication procedures within an appropriate document management system. The post-holder will be expected to work under their own initiative for most of their daily duties and also to troubleshoot and resolve any issues they encounter. The post-holder will also be expected to interact with industrial partners and manufacturers.

Applicants should hold a PhD degree (or have recently submitted their PhD thesis) in an appropriate field such as Engineering. Experience with medical device development and regulatory pathways is essential. The candidate must be proficient in the use of mechanical testing, SLA 3D printing, CNC machining, and materials characterisation techniques. The candidate must have experience in working with ISO standard guidelines. The candidate must have great attention to detail and excellent record keeping and communication skills. Good interpersonal skills as well as the ability to communicate their work clearly to the research team as well as external stakeholders will also be very important. Highly motivated candidates will have an opportunity to take an active role in the translation of lab-based research into real-world medical devices, as well as expand their research skills.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 9 months in the first instance. Applications will be reviewed shortly after the closing date and it is expected that interviews will be conducted in mid-January 2024. The successful candidate would ideally start by February 2024.

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We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period- Should you have any queries please reach out to Analia Alvarez on [email protected]

Please quote reference LJ39845 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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