Research Fellow (109891-1224)

This is a full time fixed-term contract finishing no later than 30th September 2027.

This interdisciplinary project is based at the University of Warwick (Engineering, Chemistry), in collaboration with the lead organisation Keele University (School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering), University of Birmingham (School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences), and in partnership with Newcastle University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The School of Engineering is currently recruiting a Research Fellow to undertake experimental research, including advanced microscopy of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in model systems and human tissues, for EPSRC-funded project EP/X031179/1 entitled "Probing the origin and evolution of low-oxidation state iron and copper nanoparticles in the brain" https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FX031179%2F1 with investigators Professor Joanna Collingwood and Dr Jake Brooks (Engineering), and Professor Peter Sadler FRS and Professor Peter O'Connor (Chemistry).

The aim of this project is to investigate the formation, evolution, and stabilisation of low-oxidation-state nanoparticles in the brain, considering source metal precursors of both biological and synthetic/environmental origin, and to assess how these chemically reactive nanoparticles are connected to the accumulation of protein deposits which are hallmarks of brain ageing and neurodegenerative disease.

You will engage in both independent and collaborative research to investigate metals and metal oxides in biological materials, utilising routine microscopy, spectrometry and spectroscopy, as well as advanced techniques such as synchrotron x-ray spectromicroscopy and electron beam microscopy, including the use of cryo-conditions and custom sample environments.

Your responsibilities will include developing protocols, preparing and characterising samples to evaluate nanoparticles in biological materials, spanning from well-defined in-vitro systems to the human brain.

Within these samples you will characterise nanoparticles of synthetic and biogenic origin, employing experimental methods such as specialist microscopy and histology to uncover pathways to their formation and transformation within physiological environments.

To ensure the success of this experimental research, you will support and enable outstanding collaborative efforts across multiple sites and organizations, working closely with project collaborators and partners.

As a vital member of synchrotron experiment teams at both UK and international facilities, you will occasionally step into a leadership role.

Your responsibilities will include managing the research environment and necessary resources, maintaining operational laboratory equipment, updating the chemical inventory, overseeing safety documentation, and supporting the training of junior lab members.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to co-supervise junior team members, playing a key role in their development and the overall progress of the project.

Under the guidance of your line manager, you will address management and administrative tasks within your remit, helping the team achieve high-quality, timely research outcomes while upholding research integrity and prioritising health, safety, and wellbeing.

You will be responsible for preparing and presenting regular project reports to the team, ensuring that objectives are achieved, and deadlines are met.

You will actively contribute to organising and participating in project meetings, fostering productive interactions with partners and collaborators.

Your role will include drafting your research findings for publication and collaborating with project partners to produce joint publications.