University of Nottingham Research Fellow Vacancy 2020
University of Nottingham is looking for Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded Research Fellow to join a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary team; focusing on understanding biomolecular interactions in mucus systems, which underpin healthy function of the gut and immunity. From fundamental physical aspects of water structure to complex interactions using biomimetic substrates and 3D tissue models. You will actively collaborate with experts in the School of Biosciences, National Centre for Molecular Hydrodynamics, as well as interface experts in the School of Chemistry, Nottingham Digestive Disease Centre and Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre.
Job Title: Research Fellow
Location: Sutton Bonington Campus
Eligibility:
You will have a PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry, Physics/Biophysics, Biological/Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Soft Matter/Biomaterial Science or a related discipline, and extensive knowledge and experience of bimolecular characterisation and chemical/enzymatic modification. Good MATLAB skills are highly desirable. You will also have a positive approach to collaborative research and the drive to make a significant contribution to make this ground-breaking project a success.
Purpose of role
University of Nottingham Research jobs
This role is to undertake research to explore interaction of dietary fibre polysaccharides (DF) with mucus films including utilisation and development of advanced polymer characterisation techniques in line with objectives of the BBSRC grant award. The role holder will conduct research to:
a) uncover the role of DF molecular architecture on hydration, viscoelasticity, structure and responsiveness of mucus/DF complexes;
b) unlock the potential of DF with controlled molecular architecture to enhance mucus barrier properties through modulating mucus rheological and lubrication properties;
c) design DF composites to tune and modulate mucus rheology with the view to enhance its barrier functionality. Accordingly, the role holder will contribute to publishing high impact papers in top journals and report the research outcomes at major academic conferences, industrial meetings and across various platforms of public engagement. They will also be involved in supervision of research students at undergraduate and postgraduate level and assist in lab management duties, by complying with requirements of occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or School.
Main responsibilities
University of Nottingham
- Experimental design, execution and interpretation of the data
- Utilisation of rheology, analytical ultracentrifugation, isothermal titration calorimetry, confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, soft-contact tribology.
- Purification of biopolymers, design and development of biopolymer composites, chemical and enzymatic modification.
- Utilisation of image analysis and MATLAB codes.
- Communicating results through lab talks and seminars
- Drafting research reports and papers
Lab Management Assistance Duties
University of Nottingham
- Understanding existing Health and Safety Documents and participating
in the update or creation of new ones as required. - Participating in the mandatory Health and Safety Inductions for new students and visitors to the lab. 10 %
