Applications are invited for the post of a Marie Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. This is a fixed term position for 36 months. Applicants will be expected to register for a PhD as an employee of the University. The salary will comprise a living allowance of €51,072 and a mobility allowance of either €11,289.60 or €16,128 depending on individual family circumstances.

Smart Nano-objects for Alternation of Lipid-bilayers (SNAL) is a multidisciplinary programme specifically designed to provide scientific and transferable skills training and career development for early stage researchers and experienced researchers in membrane research. Working in a multidisciplinary network will give the researchers a broad perspective on their research field as well as the basic ability of pursuing a research project from basic sciences to industrial applications. The broad aim is to trains a new cohort of researchers with systemic thinking equipped with generic skills in combining experimental studies and computer simulations to prepare them for fruitful careers in academia and industry. One challenge for the project is the design and synthesis of novel biomaterials able to modify membrane properties. This requires deep understanding of the interactions of lipid membranes with nano-objects including functional biomimetic polymers, polymeric micelles, carbon nanotubes and polymer therapeutic complexes/conjugates to enable to intelligent design of novel materials with improved bilayer modifying properties. To achieve this goal we have assembled a highly interdisciplinary team of leading groups and having synergies in their established research interests in the field of lipid-bilayer-nano-objects interactions. The project combines computer simulations, chemical synthesis, clinical and industrial expertise, physical and biological experiments. The industry involvement in the project is very high with full participation of Unilever and Biopharma, the companies from different sectors. Complementarity of partner skills provides a logical basis for a collective training programme.

This role will be undertaken within the Bioscience Engineering Group of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology but the post-holder will be required to study at partnering organisations throughout Europe. The role will be based from the University Department at the New Museums Site, Pembroke Street, CB2 3RA. The main duties of the role at Cambridge will involve the design and synthesis of novel membrane interacting biomaterials and their evaluation in cell based assays.

Education to at least Bachelors level in Chemistry with a Masters degree in Pharmacology are essential to conduct the synthesis element of the programme and the evaluation of drug delivery. Research experience in a medical institution, with clinical trials and in a commercial drug development environment are also extremely valuable. Self-motivation to achieve research objectives, a good command of English and good written and oral communication skills to the level appropriate for presenting results at conferences and contributing to academic papers is required.

Demonstrated ability to write reports, present results and contribute to academic papers are also required.

Informal enquiries regarding this project can be directed via email to Professor Nigel Slater nkhs2@cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applicants should ensure their application is complete and submitted by 12noon on the closing date.

Please quote reference NQ03490 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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