Research Associate in Biofabrication
We are seeking an outstanding and ambitious individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Biofabrication within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering. This role offers a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of space bioprinting, cryobiology and advanced biomaterials science at the Henry Royce Institute.
The post is fully funded through a Royal Society APEX Award and will contribute to the project “Bioprinting Beyond Gravity: Developing Extremophile‑Inspired Biomaterials for Human Tissue Fabrication in Space.” The project aims to overcome a critical challenge in space bioprinting: the safe storage, transport and deployment of cell‑laden bioinks in extreme environments. You will help develop cryopreservable “cryobioinks” inspired by extremophile biology, integrating biomaterials chemistry, polymer science, stem cell biology and simulated microgravity research.
This is a full‑time, fixed‑term role for 18 months, based at the University of Manchester’s Oxford Road campus (Henry Royce Institute), with collaborative work at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences using a Random Positioning Machine to simulate microgravity.
You will be responsible for:
- Designing and characterising macromolecular cryoprotectants for incorporation into polymer‑based bioinks
- Developing and optimising cryobioink formulations and assessing performance before and after freeze–thaw cycles
- Performing cryopreservation of stem‑cell‑based bioinks and evaluating post‑thaw viability, stemness and differentiation
- Assessing bioprinting performance under simulated microgravity conditions
- Leading dissemination through peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations and funder reports
You will act as an integrative scientific link between biomaterials and cryobiology teams, coordinating project activity and contributing to supervision and training of junior researchers.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
- A PhD (or close to completion) in biomaterials, biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, materials science or a related discipline
- Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, including stem cells
- Practical experience in biomaterials formulation and characterisation, and extrusion‑based 3D bioprinting
- Strong ability to plan, manage and deliver complex experimental workflows independently
- Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with cryopreservation or cryoprotectant formulation
- Experience with photocrosslinkable biomaterials or polymer synthesis
- Experience in microgravity or space biology research contexts
- Experience supervising students or contributing to funding applications
We value creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration and a strong commitment to research integrity as much as formal qualifications.
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer pension contribution
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Access to world‑class biofabrication facilities and professional development opportunities
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