COFUND MemTrain Fellow

Reference: R190176
Life & Health Sciences
Location: Aston University Main Campus
Salary: £21,500 per annum
Full Time, Fixed Term (36 months)

The Department of Biosciences at Aston University has recently been awarded the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie funded COFUND Doctoral Programme entitled MemTrain (Cell Membranes in Industrial Processes Training). The Programme is coordinated by Dr Alan Goddard who is a member of the Aston Membrane Protein and Lipid Research Group (AMPL). More information about AMPL and the projects on offer can be found here.

Over five years, MemTrain will train 12 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs; within 4 years of Masters qualification) who will undertake a PhD in an area of research within the remit of AMPL, each of which is expected to have an intersectoral focus. Possible projects involve determining the roles of biological membranes in biotechnology or medicines discovery and the application of novel methodologies to investigate these membranes.

Our 11 industrial partners will contribute to training of the researchers to generate a unique, integrated, learning environment in which graduate students benefit from industrial links, employability and entrepreneurial skills, and will leave as researchers who are highly competitive for jobs within academia and industry, as well as public policy, intellectual property law or as entrepreneurs. It is expected that 6 ESRs will be recruited in this call.

The ideal applicants will have Master’s degree in biological science, biochemistry or a related discipline, and a strong drive to carry out cutting edge research for a doctoral degree. Each ESR will be expected to undertake research towards a PhD within one of the projects offered through MemTrain. Further information on the role and duties are provided in the Job Description. Further information about the specific projects on offer can be obtained by contacting the supervisors as detailed on the AMPL website or Dr Alan Goddard (a.goddard@aston.ac.uk).

The prospective candidates must not have worked for more than 12 months within the last three years in the UK (prior to the closing date of this call). Furthermore, the candidates need to be in his/her first four years of his/her research career. The four years are counted from the date a degree was obtained which formally entitles the holder to embark on a doctorate either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country of employment.

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter recognised by a bronze award. We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.

Please visit our website for further information and to apply online.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 30 June 2019

Interview Date: To be confirmed

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.