Research Associate (Flexible Packaging)

The University of Manchester - Science and Engineering - Department of Materials - School of Natural Sciences

Location: Manchester

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 18th September 2025

Closes: 1st October 2025

Job reference: SAE-029805

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Materials

Hours Per Week: 1 FTE

Closing date: 01/10/2025

Contract Duration: Fixed term from 1st November 2025 to 31st December 2026

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Background

The Department of Materials wishes to appoint a Research Associate to join the Bio-Active Materials Group of Professor Jonny Blaker in the Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester to work on new barrier materials from bio-based fibres, suitable for flexible packaging. This project is funded via the UKRI EPSRC early-stage Prosperity Partnership programme and the post will be based at The University of Manchester in the Henry Royce Institute.

You will be a conscientious, innovative experimental scientist who has recently submitted your thesis or successfully completed a PhD (or equivalent) in Materials, Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related discipline. Experience in formulation and specialist knowledge in spinning bio-based and/or biodegradable nanofibres and their characterisation is essential. This specific position will focus on the design and engineering of bio-based materials to achieve barrier properties comparable to that of fossil-derived counterparts for moisture sensitive solids. The project will involve working closely with a key industrial partner: Unilever, as well as all researchers appointed to this project.

Overall Purpose of the Job

You will design, formulate and spin fibres from bio-based and/or biodegradable polymer solutions as part of a flexible-packaging solution to attain improved barrier properties. You will optimise the spinning solutions and parameters for spinning large area mats using the pilot scale-up electrospinning facility in the Royce Institute Hub at The University of Manchester. The fibres and deposited mats will be characterised to determine areal density, porosity, fibre size distributions, and their physical and chemical characteristics. On top of this, you are expected to undertake project management and/or supervise junior researchers, as well as maintaining records of research, helping secure IP and attending regular project meetings.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.