About the Role For informal enquiries, please contact Joanna Collingwood (Professor) at J.F.Collingwoodwarwick.ac.uk. 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”. 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. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so. About You We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject and a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline. You will demonstrate a strong track record in research, with evidence of quality outputs in a relevant field, alongside a developing profile with the potential to publish and produce high-calibre research contributions. You will have knowledge of bioinorganic chemistry, and proven analytical capabilities pertinent to the project, such as nanoparticle characterization, analysis of synchrotron x-ray data, tissue sample handling, and histology. Exceptional communication skills are essential, with the ability to articulate ideas effectively in English, both orally and in writing. The ideal candidate will have the willingness and capacity to gain and apply additional specialist knowledge of disciplines and research methods (including experimental and computational methods) to work effectively to deliver the project. It is required that you have understanding and evidence of ability to uphold and comply with research governance and integrity matters, as applicable to the duties of the post. You may bring the following specific expertise, which while not essential, will be advantageous to the role: Experience as a synchrotron facility user (including applying for and preparing for beamtime, running experiments, analysing and publishing data), and custodianship of a relevant laboratory environment. About the Department The post will be based at University of Warwick within the Trace Metals in Medicine Laboratory, located in the School of Engineering: one of the leading unified Engineering schools in the UK. The post includes research activity with colleagues and research facilities in Chemistry, where 100% of our research is ranked world-leading or internationally excellent [REF 2021], and the post holder will be encouraged to engage with the communities and opportunities in Engineering, Chemistry, and across the Science faculty. University of Warwick ensures access to an integrated network of world-class analytical technologies campus-wide, through our Research Technology Platforms that support users from all departments. The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate. About the University Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’. How to Apply CLOSING DATE: Sunday 26 January 2025 at 11.55pm To apply, please click ‘Apply’ below and submit an application form by the closing date. Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 11.30pm). Please attach a CV and cover letter. Your CV should include your most recent employment experience, any other relevant experience, and education history. Your cover letter must detail how you meet each of the essential criteria found in the