Research Assistant

Salary Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum Research Associate: £36,636 to £37,694 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: 14 October 2026 The Role Applications are invited for a Research Assistant or Associate in New High Performance Bioinks for 3D Extrusion Bioprinting to work under the supervision of Prof David Fulton for a period of up to 6 months. You will join a diverse community of colleagues based in Newcastle in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The post is part of an awarded EPSRC grant to Newcastle University to develop new bioinks which possess both printability and biomimicry. These bioinks will be based upon Capsular antigen fragment 1 (Caf1), protein polymers produced by engineered bacteria which are unrivalled mimics of natural extracellular matrix. Preliminary work from our labs indicate that Caf1 hydrogels also possess encouraging levels of printability. Applicants should possess (or have submitted) a PhD or equivalent with experience suitable to the project e.g. materials or chemistry, with a proven record of achievement and a creative approach to solving problems. Experience with circular dichroism spectroscopy and synthetic polymer chemistry would be advantageous. For further reading, see Biomater. Sci. 2023, 11, 7229-7246; Macromol. Biosci. 2022, 22, 2200134; Biomater. Sci., 2021, 9, 2542–2552; Chem, 2020, 6, 3132-3151. This position is available from 1st October 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and is full time (37 hours per week) on a fixed term basis until 31st March 2027. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof David Fulton via email: david.fulton@ncl.ac.uk As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level. Find out more about the Science, Engineering and Agriculture Faculty here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/ Contact for the post is david.fulton@ncl.ac.uk Duration of post is until 31st March 2027 Key Accountabilities Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project's dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate. Research Associate
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding. The Person Knowledge, Skills And Experience Research Assistant
• Knowledge of/Ability to/Experience of materials, proteins and polymers
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems. In addition for Research Associate
• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications Attributes and Behaviour Essential
• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity Qualifications Research Assistant
• Honours degree in (chemistry, materials, biomedical, bioengineering, biotechnology In addition for Research Associate
• PhD in (chemistry, materials, biomedical, bioengineering, biotechnology) 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. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 29803