SCHOOL OF AGRI-FOOD TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING

Location: Lincoln
Salary: From £32,296 pro rata
Please note, this post is fixed-term until 27 June 2025 and part-time at 0.33 FTE.
Closing Date: Sunday 02 March 2025
Interview Date: Monday 17 March 2025
Reference: CHS193
We are seeking a Research Assistant to support an innovative interdisciplinary project focused on the development of electrospun nanofiber membranes integrated with food-derived bioactive compounds and bacteriophages to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
This project brings together expertise in Microbiology, Food Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Science, offering a holistic approach to next-generation antimicrobial materials.
The research will involve the fabrication, optimisation, and characterization of nanofiber membranes, as well as assessing their antimicrobial performance against ESKAPE pathogens.
The role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biomaterial and microbial interaction research, with the potential to impact the future of antimicrobial technologies.

ABOUT YOU:

We are looking for a motivated researcher with a strong interest in biomaterials, nanofiber technology, and microbial interactions. You will have an Honours degree or Master’s in a relevant subject and experience in experimental research related to the project. You will also have strong data analysis, material characterisation skills and excellent written and verbal communication abilities. In addition, it is essential for you to possess the ability to prioritise workload and work both independently and within a team.
If you would like further information or an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Bukola Onarinde, Associate Professor, at bOnarinde@lincoln.ac.uk

Conduct research under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
Fabricate and optimise electrospun nanofiber membranes for loading, stabilising, and releasing bacteriophages and bioactives.
Characterise materials using techniques such as SEM, FTIR, and XRD.
Perform antimicrobial testing and assess bioactive release kinetics.
Undertake literature reviews and prepare reports.
Contribute to research publications and presentations.
Engage with internal and external collaborators.