Postdoctoral Research Associate (Internal Only)

Applicants are invited to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) part-time position (0.5 FTE) on the funded project "Biomanufacturing microbots for next generation bacterial theranostics to tackle metastatic solid tumours", supported by the Yorkshire MedTech Place Based Impact Accelerator Account (PBIAA). The project aims to establish the feasibility of producing robust, living magnetic microcarriers for future applications in cancer imaging and targeted therapeutic delivery.

The role will focus on developing and evaluating biomanufacturing processes for magnetotactic bacteria, which naturally produce magnetic nanoparticles called magnetosomes. Working with Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1, the successful candidate will contribute to the cultivation and characterisation of thermotolerant strains assessing growth, viability, motility and magnetic properties at elevated temperatures.

The post holder will also develop and evaluate a continuous biomanufacturing workflow, integrating controlled bioreactor cultivation with cell harvesting and downstream processing. This will include comparing cross-flow filtration with conventional centrifugation to improve cell recovery and purity while preserving viability, motility and magnetic properties. The work will generate reproducible experimental datasets and protocols to support scale-up and future translation.

The successful applicant will hold a PhD qualification, or be close to completion of a relevant PhD, in biotechnology, biochemical engineering, microbiology, industrial biotechnology, chemical engineering or a related discipline.

Essential hands-on skills include experience in microbial cultivation, fermentation or bioprocess development, experimental design, sample preparation and quantitative data analysis. The ability to plan and carry out laboratory experiments independently, troubleshoot experimental problems and maintain accurate research records is essential.

Expertise in one or more of the following areas will be particularly advantageous: cultivation of magnetotactic bacteria or other microaerophilic microorganisms; controlled bioreactor operation; adaptive laboratory evolution or microbial strain characterisation; cross-flow or tangential-flow filtration; continuous bioprocessing; flow cytometry; microscopy and motility assays; and characterisation of cellular magnetic properties. An interest in biomanufacturing for biomedical applications and an awareness of quality requirements relevant to future manufacturing development would also be valuable.

Strong organisational, communication and teamwork skills are important, as the post holder will work within a multidisciplinary collaboration involving academic and industrial partners. Knowledge of laboratory safety, good research practice and data management is essential. The successful candidate will contribute to project meetings, technical reports and deliverables, and communicate findings to collaborators. The ability to develop new technical expertise and meet project milestones within a short, focused research programme is highly desirable.

Please note this vacancy is open to internal applicants only.

What we offer:
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family friendly policies.
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa.