We are seeking a highly skilled, motivated Research Associate in Advanced Injectable Biomaterials to join Dr Ana Ferreira‑Duarte’s group. This role contributes to a UKRI‑funded programme developing next‑generation injectable, electroactive, naturally derived biomaterials for cartilage tissue engineering and joint immunomodulation. The successful applicant will work in a multidisciplinary environment spanning biomaterials formulation, electroactive materials, conjugation chemistry, nanoscale characterisation, and immunomodulatory system development. They will design, synthesize, and characterize electroactive collagen‑based hydrogels and fibrous matrices, fabricate nanoparticles for controlled immunomodulator delivery, and conduct in‑vitro biological assessment. Applicants must be able to start on 1 September 2026 and must hold – or be demonstrably able to obtain – the right to work in the UK by that date.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimise electroactive, naturally derived injectable biomaterials (e.g., collagen‑based hydrogels and fibrous matrices).
- Apply chemical conjugation and functionalisation techniques, including click and bio‑orthogonal chemistries, to integrate bioactive peptides, domains, or immunomodulators.
- Design, synthesize, and characterize immunomodulatory materials‑based delivery systems from natural‑derived or biocompatible polymers.
- Perform multimodal material characterisation, including:
- AFM (including PFM or other nanoscale electromechanical modes)
- SEM/TEM
- Confocal microscopy
- Rheology
- FTIR, XRD, XPS
- Evaluate degradation profiles, electroactive behaviour, microstructure, mechanical properties, and injectability.
- Conduct biological assessment, including cell viability, phenotype, ECM deposition, and immunomodulatory profiling in vitro.
- Contribute to mechanotransduction studies using dynamic loading systems.
- Collaborate with academic, clinical and industrial partners across the project network.
- Disseminate research through peer‑reviewed publications, conferences, and reports.
- Contribute to the supervision of PG students and help foster a collaborative, inclusive research culture.
- Manage time effectively to meet project milestones and reporting deadlines.
Qualifications
- PhD in Biomaterials, Bioengineering, Polymer Chemistry, Tissue Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong, evidenced experience with electroactive naturally derived biomaterials (e.g., collagen, peptide‑based matrices).
- Demonstrated proficiency in chemistry and conjugation techniques, including functionalisation of biomaterials.
- Proven, hands‑on expertise in AFM, including nanoscale mechanical or electrical characterisation modes.
- Experience with multimodal characterisation: SEM/TEM, rheology, FTIR, XPS, XRD, confocal imaging.
- Practical experience in the fabrication, optimisation, and characterisation of nanoparticles or materials for drug/immunomodulator delivery.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and biological assays to assess biomaterial performance.
- Evidence of effective scientific communication (publications, presentations).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
Desirable
- Experience with responsive biomaterials (mechanical, piezoelectric, dynamic compression environments).
- Experience with immunomodulatory systems (e.g., macrophages, PBMCs).
- Understanding of biomaterial‑immune system interactions.
- Experience in regenerative medicine or cartilage tissue engineering.
- Evidence of industrial engagement or interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Evidence of supervision of students.
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.
Benefits
Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package, opportunity to purchase additional days, competitive pension schemes and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support staff.
Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Statement
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 and celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and hold a Gold Athena Swan award for gender equality and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award for race equality. 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.
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