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Job Title: Research Associate in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
Posting Start Date: 18/06/2026
Job Id: 2724
School/Department: Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): 38,784.00 - 46,049.00
Closing Date: 09/07/2026
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The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a seven-month Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic research group led by Prof. Steve Armes FRS within the Department of Chemistry and contribute to the development of a novel self-administered, needle-free delivery platform for mRNA vaccines. This ambitious multidisciplinary research programme involves the design and synthesis of new stimulus-responsive block copolymer vesicles for efficient intracellular mRNA delivery and subsequently mRNA vaccine delivery from a mucoadhesive oral patch. The successful candidate will be working alongside other postdoctoral scientists at the engineering and physical/life science interfaces funded by a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engineering Biology Mission Award project led by Prof. Helen Colley. We seek a talented and highly motivated synthetic polymer chemist with experience of RAFT polymerisation and polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA). Hands-on experience of 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, dynamic light scattering, aqueous electrophoresis, and transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, cell culture and 3D epithelial models is required for this post
You will hold a relevant undergraduate degree and a PhD in synthetic polymer chemistry
Main duties and responsibilities
Assist with relevant research as directed by the project proposal in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan.
Maintenance of all equipment, software and supplies required for the project work.
Work independently and alongside the project partners to meet the project objectives.
Keep accurate, detailed log books of all experimental work.
Follow mandatory Health & Safety policies and procedures including CoSHH, and standard operating procedures, using appropriate communication mechanisms.
Liaise with the academic principal investigator with overall responsibility for the project, as well as other academic co-investigators and collaborators.
Prepare reports for group meetings, including presentation of results to others within the project group.
Carry out strategic planning over the duration of the project in conjunction with other project members, to achieve the milestones established in the project plan; this involves planning and scheduling of experimental work and resource requirements for the project.
Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to understand the context of the project to the wider literature.
Disseminate research findings to project staff and other stakeholders. This includes preparing written project reports, giving presentations at project meetings and conference presentations and preparing research findings for reports and manuscripts.
As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential or desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
PhD in synthetic polymer chemistry
Essential
Application
Have a relevant undergraduate degree.
Essential
Application
Proven ability in research and evidence of research output
Essential
Application
Specialist knowledge of RAFT polymerisation and polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA)
Essential
Application/
Interview
Hands-on experience of the following analytical/biological techniques: 1H NMR spectroscopy; gel permeation chromatography; dynamic light scattering; aqueous electrophoresis; transmission electron microscopy; confocal microscopy; cell culture; 3D epithelial models.
Essential
Application/
Interview
Experience of the synthesis and characterisation of diblock copolymer vesicles
Desirable
Application/
Interview
Evidence of a high level of self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Desirable
Application/
Interview
Experience of working either in industry or with industrial partners.
Desirable
Application
Proven ability to work with people across different disciplines (e.g. non-clinical and clinical academia, healthcare and/or industry) with good interpersonal skills.
Desirable
Application
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into accessible language.
Essential
Application
Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team on research programmes.
Essential
Application
Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of work to tight deadlines.
Essential
Application
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£41,064 - £46,049.00
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
7 months
Line manager
Principal Investigator and Work Package lead in the UKRI Engineering Biology Mission Award project
Direct reports
N/A
Our website
https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Steve Armes (
[email protected])
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place at the end of June 2026. This will consist of an interview with a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page: - sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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