Research AssistantAssociate in Biomater

Salary:

Research Assistant: 33002 to 34610 per annum

Research Associate: 35608 to 46049 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 23 November 2025

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant/Associate in Biomaterials to join Dr Ana Ferreira-Duartes group as part of a recently awarded European Commission project. The project aims to develop and manufacture advanced biomaterials and hydrogels using different chemistries including bioorthogonal click chemistries to create nanosystems and multifunctional smart carriers from natural-derived polymers.

You will work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning biomaterials formulation nanoscale processing and biological assessment. They will be responsible for designing and characterising new biomaterial systems studying their biological and immunological response and processing them into nano/micro-carriers for regenerative engineering applications.

You will also contribute actively to dissemination activities including scientific publications conference presentations and engagement with industrial and academic partners. This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving research environment and play a key role in growing an internationally visible regenerative engineering team.

For further information on The School of Engineering please click here

For full details about this vacancy and essential information on how to apply visit our Job Vacancies web page at To apply please complete the online application form upload your CV and provide a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.

This is a fixed term post for the duration of 24 months.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Ana Ferreira-Duarte ().

Key accountabilties

• Develop and optimise biomaterials and hydrogel formulations exploiting biorthogonal and click chemistries
• Design synthesise and characterise polymer-based nanosystems and multifunctional smart carriers
• Perform physicochemical mechanical cellular and immunological evaluation of biomaterials
• Carry out biological assessment of materials in in-vitro tissue culture systems
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners across the EC consortium
• Disseminate research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications conference presentations and reports
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD and MSc students and foster a collaborative inclusive research culture
• Manage time effectively to meet project milestones and reporting deadlines

The Person

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• PhD (or close to completion) in Biomaterials Bioengineering Tissue Engineering Polymer Chemistry or a related discipline
• First or upper-second-class undergraduate degree in Materials Science Engineering Chemistry or related subject
• Strong experience in biomaterials formulation and characterisation
• Practical experience with hydrogel systems and natural-derived polymers
• Experience in tissue culture and biological assessment of biomaterials
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with evidence of scientific dissemination (published or submitted several first-author peer-reviewed scientific papers presentations)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organisational and time-management skills

Desirable

• Experience in polymeric chemistries such as biorthogonal click chemistry (e.g. SPAAC)
• Experience with nano- or micro-carrier fabrication and characterisation
• Knowledge and experience in operating Atomic Force Microscope (e.g. Bio-AFM) and other microscope methods
• Understanding of biomaterialimmune system interactions
• Knowledge of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications
• Evidence of engagement with industry or interdisciplinary collaborations

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across disciplines
• Commitment to teamwork inclusivity and a supportive research culture
• Proactive approach to problem solving and ability to innovate
• Enthusiasm for research excellence and ambition to contribute to group growth

Qualifications

• PhD awarded (or near completion for appointment at Research Assistant) in a relevant subject such as Biomaterials Bioengineering polymeric chemistry or related discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a goldAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28715