Research Associate in biocompatibility of vaccine delivery devices

Closing date: 10 February 2021

The Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3) is an interdisciplinary research environment in which advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences are applied to enable and enhance life science research. The appointee will work on a BBSRC-funded project between two research groups within IB3 (The Biomaterials and Biofabrication group led by Dr Ferry Melchels and the Nanotoxicology group led by Prof Vicki Stone) and The Roslin Institute (Prof Jayne Hope) at the University of Edinburgh.

The main responsibility of the appointee is to assess the biocompatibility of newly developed polymer materials and devices in vitro with respect to cytotoxicity, immune response and biodegradation. A second task is to assist in an in vivo experiment in calves to assess the tissue and immune response to implanted devices, by collaborating with polymer chemists, toxicologists, immunologists and veterinary doctors within and out with the team. The RA does not have to conduct or lead the animal work if they do not wish.

The results of this work form part of the project Single Administration Vaccination Enhancement, in which we are developing a device to delay the release of vaccine booster shots. These devices are sugar-filled polymer capsules that will gradually swell through osmosis until they burst and release their vaccine payload.

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Key duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct in vitro studies using cell lines to assess the cytotoxicity, immunological response and biodegradation of different polymers in order to prioritise low toxicity materials for further development.
  • Contribute to the development and use of bovine skin punch biopsies for assessing cytotoxicity, immunological response and biodegradation of the polymers.
  • Analyse tissue and immune responses of calves following implantation – no surgery or animal handling is required.
  • General tasks will involve scientific research, and analysis and interpretation of data
  • Communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.
  • The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students.
  • Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
  • The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrations.

More details

A full job description and details of how to apply are available on Heriot Watt University's jobs website.

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