BACKGROUND This two-year Research Associate position is part of the National Hub for Advanced Long-acting Therapeutics (HALo), a UKRI-funded research initiative that brings together leading UK institutions to revolutionise drug delivery for chronic diseases. The HALo Hub is a multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers in materials science, pharmaceutical engineering, bioengineering, and clinical sciences. HALo aims to establish the UK as a world leader in long-acting therapeutic (LAT) development by tackling key challenges in formulation science, pharmacokinetics, and sustainability. The project focuses on creating new formulations, improving drug delivery strategies, and developing predictive models to accelerate the clinical translation of LATs. The primary goal of this role is to investigate the formulation and performance of ISFIs for treating long-term diseases, with a focus on gel-based systems and benchmarking against clinically approved ISFI systems. The successful candidate will work at the interface of polymer science, pharmaceutical engineering, and drug delivery, conducting experimental studies on implant formation, drug release kinetics, and biocompatibility. The PDRA will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including materials scientists, engineers, and clinical researchers, to design and optimise ISFI formulations that achieve controlled release, stability, and reproducibility. This work will contribute to the broader goals of the HALo project by improving the understanding and scalability of long-acting injectable therapeutics. What can you expect in return The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community. What you will get in return: Fantastic market leading Pension scheme Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays Additional paid closure over the Christmas period Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here Hybrid working arrangements may be considered. Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift. Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Name: Tom McDonald Email: thomas.mcdonaldmanchester.ac.uk General enquiries: Email: People.recruitmentmanchester.ac.uk Technical support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.