Research Associate/Fellow: Responsive hydrogels for targeting brain tumours (Fixed-Term)
- University of Nottingham
- United Kingdom, LND
- Jun 30, 2026
Job Description:
Applications are invited for a highly motivated and talented Research Associate/Fellow to join the laboratory of Prof. Alvaro Mata in the Biodiscovery Institute at the University of Nottingham. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary, international, and dynamic consortium developing a responsive biopolymer-based hydrogel to encapsulate and deliver tumour-targeted drugs to treat glioblastoma.
The project is supported by La Caixa Foundation. The successful candidate will be focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of the hydrogel system. A range of biopolymers and dynamic cross-linkers will be tested to engineer a responsive matrix with the capacity to safely encapsulate tumour-targeting drugs and controllably release them. The work has a strong translational component and is expected to deliver a safe and translatable material for preclinical and clinical use.
We are seeking applicants with an interest and experience in design and fabrication of responsive biopolymer-based hydrogels, peptide and protein-based materials, dynamic cross-linking systems, and bio-physical characterisation of hydrogels.
The candidate should have experience independently executing experimental work, be a team-player with the capacity to work in highly interdisciplinary projects, have strong collaborative skills, experience contributing to team-based and interdisciplinary research projects, have strong practical experience in creative experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting in a wet laboratory environment, be an excellent communicator, and have a proven ability to write high-quality scientific outputs.
Candidates should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in chemistry or a closely related field.
This full-time (36.25 hours/week), fixed-term post is offered for 24 months, starting on 1st August 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Alvaro Mata ([email protected]), please note that applications sent directly to this e-mail will not be considered.
Closing Date: 13 Jul 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)
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Job Description:
Applications are invited for a highly motivated and talented Research Associate/Fellow to join the laboratory of Prof. Alvaro Mata in the Biodiscovery Institute at the University of Nottingham. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary, international, and dynamic consortium developing a responsive biopolymer-based hydrogel to encapsulate and deliver tumour-targeted drugs to treat glioblastoma.
The project is supported by La Caixa Foundation. The successful candidate will be focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of the hydrogel system. A range of biopolymers and dynamic cross-linkers will be tested to engineer a responsive matrix with the capacity to safely encapsulate tumour-targeting drugs and controllably release them. The work has a strong translational component and is expected to deliver a safe and translatable material for preclinical and clinical use.
We are seeking applicants with an interest and experience in design and fabrication of responsive biopolymer-based hydrogels, peptide and protein-based materials, dynamic cross-linking systems, and bio-physical characterisation of hydrogels.
The candidate should have experience independently executing experimental work, be a team-player with the capacity to work in highly interdisciplinary projects, have strong collaborative skills, experience contributing to team-based and interdisciplinary research projects, have strong practical experience in creative experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting in a wet laboratory environment, be an excellent communicator, and have a proven ability to write high-quality scientific outputs.
Candidates should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in chemistry or a closely related field.
This full-time (36.25 hours/week), fixed-term post is offered for 24 months, starting on 1st August 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
For informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Alvaro Mata ([email protected]), please note that applications sent directly to this e-mail will not be considered.
Closing Date: 13 Jul 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)
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