Research Associate/Fellow in Biomaterial Mechanobiology (Fixed-Term)

Vacancy Reference Number

SCI516526

Organisation:

University of Nottingham

Closing Date

28 May 2026

Salary

£31,387 to £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Address

Crossing Cottage, Main Street, Stretton, Main Street Main Street Stretton

Duration

24 months

Applications are invited for a highly motivated and talented Research Associate/Fellow to join the University of Nottingham’s Additive Biofabrication Laboratory, a dynamic, multidisciplinary hub dedicated to 3D printing biomaterials for healthcare applications.

This project is supported by an Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award (SHAPE as Medicine). The main aim is to explore how cell scale features, such as curvature, are sensed by adherent cells through mechanobiological mechanisms and to compare how the underlying systems and pathways differ or remain the same between cell types. This research will identify how these 3D structures influence cell metabolism, paracrine signalling, and gene expression. The long-term view is to embed these physical cues into additively manufactured biomaterials for bespoke biological applications, i.e., using SHAPE as medicine.

The successful candidate will design and deliver experiments spanning quantitative cell phenotyping, transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, including the analysis of how curvature-driven responses differ between cell types. The project will involve advanced microscopy, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, and molecular profiling approaches, with scope to contribute to the development of bioinstructive 3D printed biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

We are particularly seeking applicants with an interest in mechanobiology and expertise in analysing cell metabolites. Experience with advanced analytical approaches such as Liquid Extraction Surface Analysis Mass Spectrometry (LESA-MS) or Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and pathway analysis/data processing workflows is required. Competence in in vitro mammalian cell culture, PCR, RNAseq, and fluorescent or confocal imaging will be essential. Quantitative image analysis, time-lapse microscopy, and/or working with mesenchymal stromal cells, fibroblasts, or primary human cells would be advantageous.

Candidates should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in the life sciences or a closely related field. Experience in one or more of the following is essential:

• Mass spectrometry of metabolites (LESA-MS, ToF-SIMS) and associated pathway analysis/data processing workflows
• PCR and/or RNAseq
• In vitro mammalian cell culture
• Fluorescent/confocal imaging and associated automated image analysis
• Evidence of high-quality research outputs (appropriate to career stage) 

This full-time (36.25 hours/week), fixed-term post is offered for 24 month, starting on 1st July 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

Further Information

https://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=SCI516526

Contact Details

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Rian Griffiths (Rian.Griffiths@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Robert Owen (robert.owen@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.