Research Assistant - 16612

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Salary: Grade R1 from £36,640 to £38,638 inclusive of London Weighting with potential to progress to £39,682 per annum inclusive of London Weighting through sustained exceptional contribution.

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

Applications are invited for the Researcher to work under the supervision of Professor Mizi Fan on a research project funded by the European Commission, Horizon Europe CELLMEMBRANE (Development of delignified nanocellulose based gas transfer scaffold membrane for artificial lung applications). CELLMEMBRANE aims to develop the world’s first bio-based nanomaterial ‘nanocellulose’ to manufacture an artificial lung device. The consortium will develop an initial proof of concept nanocellulose device to demonstrate gas transfer and initial hemocompatibility in blood. This project in a consortium-based approach combines the technologies and expertise of Smart Reactors (Ireland), NUIG (Ireland), University of Tubingen (Germany), Cellink (Sweden) and Brunel, University of London (UK) to address the need of a long-term lung support to be used outside of the intensive clinical setting.

The post is essential for successful delivery of CELLMEMBRANE, which Brunel is the main partner of the project. Applicants must hold a degree in materials, chemistry, physics, civil engineering or a related subject area. You should ideally have expertise in developing, formulating and functionalizing materials. Knowledge of wood and other natural fibres, and nanocellulose production would be an advantage.

The post holder is expected to be able to work with the ability to organise, implement and deliver programmes of work. You will be able to demonstrate competence and success in the postdoctoral work as judged by publications. You will also have an ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment. You must have the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team, liaise effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders, and carry out autonomous research through co-operation and the exchange of information and skills. Good communication skills and travels to other partners across European Union are also required.

Main duties will involve in sub-project management and co-ordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will test hypotheses, analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, review and refine work programme as appropriate, collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles, and frequently present papers and posters.

The post will be based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Uxbridge, West London. The posts are immediately available and available for 12 months.

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.

Closing date for applications: 14 November 2025

Interviews will take place on the following week after 14 November 2025 on MS Teams.

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please visit https://careers.brunel.ac.uk

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk

Brunel University London has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to promote and achieve a fully inclusive workforce to reflect our community.