Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Experimental Hydrogel Mechanics

The University of Bristol seeks to recruit a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to support a New Investigator Award for Dr Matthew Hennessy. The holder of this role will carry out experiments to reveal how microscale electrostatic interactions impact the macroscopic response of electrically charged polymer gels called polyelectrolyte gels. Polyelectrolyte gels are soft solids that can change their size and shape in response to their environment, which has led to their use in a vast range of applications including soft robotics, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery. The long‑term vision of this project is to guide the molecular design of polyelectrolyte gels using multi‑scale modelling and experiments.

The post holder will join the Complex and Functional Materials (CFM) Lab, led by Dr Matthew Hennessy in Bristol’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, and the Organic Nanochemistry and Engineering (ONE) Group, led by Dr Sebastien Rochat from Bristol’s School of Chemistry. The post holder will also work in close collaboration with a modelling‑focused research associate to fully harness the synergy between the mathematical and experimental sciences. More information about the CFM Lab and the ONE Group can be found at: https://hennessymatt.github.io/ and https://rochat-lab.com/.

This post is available for 12 months. The ideal start date is 2 March 2026 but there is some flexibility.

The post holder will be responsible for:

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• Synthesising polyelectrolyte gels and characterising their properties, e.g. stiffness, permeability, and conductivity.
  
• Carrying out experiments to determine how polyelectrolyte gels change their size and shape in response to chemical and electrical stimuli.
  
• Collecting, processing, and interpreting experimental data.
  
• Working collaboratively with a modelling‑focused research associate.
  
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences.
  

This post is ideal for an experimental researcher that is interested in interdisciplinary soft matter research. The post holder is expected to:

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• Have or be working towards a PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a similar discipline.
  
• Have experience working with polymers, elastomers, or hydrogels.
  
• Have experience of working in a lab environment and knowledge of safe working practices.
  
• Have excellent skills in data acquisition, processing, and visualisation.
  
• Work independently and as part of a team.
  

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

Contract type: Fixed term contract until 01/03/2027

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: I / J

The grade of the role offered will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience you bring to the position.

School/Unit: School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Thursday 19th March.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.