Aston Medical School

Location:

Aston University Main Campus

Salary:

£33,482 to £36,130 per annum (pro-rata)

Grade:

Grade 07

Contract Type:

Fixed Term (18 months)

Basis:

Part Time

Closing Date:

23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 30 April 2025

Interview Date:

Friday 23 May 2025

Reference:

0149-25

Release Date:

Monday 14 April 2025

*Internal Only*

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to join Dr Lissette Sanchez-Aranguren’s lab. The successful candidate will work on a recently funded project by Alzheimer’s Research UK, titled “Novel Brain-Targeted Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.” This exciting role offers the opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge, translational research programme that brings together expertise in nanomedicine, drug delivery, and neurodegenerative disease.

The aim of the project is to develop and optimise novel lipid-based nanocarriers—specifically, liposomes—designed to enhance the targeted delivery of tau-targeting drugs to the brain. A key focus will be on engineering liposomes that can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier while maintaining their structural integrity and controlled drug release over time. Through careful design, preparation, and validation of these nanocarriers, the research aims to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease by ensuring that treatments reach the regions of the brain where they are most needed.

This role involves extensive work on liposome functionalisation for cellular and organelle targeting, along with physicochemical characterisation using high-throughput analytical methods. The successful applicant will be responsible for conducting in vitro experiments using cell lines and well-established blood-brain barrier models to assess the performance and transport of the formulations. The role further includes data analysis, preparation of research outputs such as manuscripts and presentations, and active engagement in the dissemination of findings through conferences and collaboration.

This project is delivered in partnership with the Oxford Drug Discovery Institute and the Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing (ARCHA), offering a rich collaborative environment and the opportunity to engage directly with ageing communities to support patient-focused research. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to all stages of experimental design and execution, ensuring reproducibility and scientific integrity throughout.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in liposomal drug delivery systems, particularly with expertise in functionalisation techniques and in vitro blood-brain barrier modelling. Experience in characterisation methods such as dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation studies, nuclear magnetic resonance and confocal imaging is essential, as is the ability to work confidently with cell lines and complex biological assays. Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills will be vital for success in this role.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for a motivated researcher to contribute to a high-impact project within a supportive and interdisciplinary academic environment.

What we offer:

Aston University is a 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 of 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.
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role is likely to meet the criteria for endorsement under the ‘Endorsed Funder’ route of the Global Talent visa. The Global Talent visa route is available for talented and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities. Please see the published Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

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