Research Associate in Bioanalytical Chemistry

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work on a project funded as part of a BBSRC grant under the guidance of Professor Nick Turner at the University of Sheffield exploring the development of microscopy assays for recognition of extracellular vesicles.

You will form part of a growing team looking at pushing the capabilities of molecular imprinting techniques and targeted recognition polymers at the biological interface. Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are simple, elegant biomimetics that incorporate binding sites bearing steric and chemical functionality complementary to a given target. They represent a generic, versatile, scalable, cost-effective approach to the creation of synthetic molecular receptors and have uses in separation sciences, purification, sensors and catalysis. This multi-disciplinary project will explore the capability of nanoscale MIPs to selectively recognise surface proteins on extracellular vesicles - biological entities that are secreted from cells and act as transporters, signallers and biomarkers. This project is in conjunction with MetaguideX, and OXford Nanoimaging, and will require engagement with the Central Laser Facility at Harwell.

You will be a highly motivated individual with a background in molecular imprinting, cell biology and microscopy. Expertise in a good range of common bioanalytical and protein handling techniques will be required; and prior experience of some of the following areas will be advantageous: confocal/electron microscopy, molecular modelling, surface chemistry and molecular imprinting.

You will hold a good first degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or similar; and hold, or about to examine for, a doctoral level qualification (PhD) in a related subject.