Job Description

Manchester Cell Matrix Centre & Discovery Research Platform for Cell-Matrix Biology

The brings together diverse research groups with academic, technology and computational expertise to overcome barriers in extracellular matrix research. Extracellular matrix is essential for multicellular life, it surrounds and supports cells and accounts for one third of our body mass. Defining the principles that govern the two-way interaction between cells and matrix is fundamental to understanding vertebrate development, healthy ageing, and identifying why tissue failure is a major factor in most chronic diseases.

Located at The University of Manchester, the Centre incorporates one of eight Discovery Research Platforms recently awarded by the Wellcome Trust. The Discovery Research Platform for Cell-Matrix Biology will address practical, technological, and methodological barriers to understanding how changes in the extracellular matrix leads to tissue failure.

We are seeking driven and ambitious individuals to play a pivotal role in overcoming these barriers. Successful candidates will contribute to our bold vision to reprogramme extracellular matrix, which has the potential to lead to innovative new diagnostic tools and treatments for diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. The platform will embrace a Team Science approach and provide an exciting opportunity to work with groups from diverse research areas and collaborate across disciplines.

The role

Stiffness and viscoelasticity are as important as the chemical properties of matrix in controlling tissue function. Interest in this topic boomed with the demonstration that the mechanical properties of a substrate can drive stem cell differentiation down different pathways, but altered stiffness is now also recognised as a common feature of many cancers, where it drives proliferation and invasion.

In this section of the platform, tools will be developed to measure and perturb the physical properties of matrix. More specifically, this will involve: development of bioinks and protocols for generating 3D-printed hydrogels with tuneable physical properties; use of optical trapping with tweezers and atomic force microscopy; generation of matrix mechanosensors for in vivo application, and development of single particle tracking of matrix components in 3D. Measurements of the physical properties will add to our chemical/proteomic understanding of matrices, while experimental systems for perturbing the physical properties of matrix will allow identification of mechanosensitive signalling pathways. Ultimately, this understanding will inform drug development strategies to reduce matrix stiffness in individuals with increased disease risk.

This role will be predominately based within the Bioimaging core facility in the Michael Smith building but will also involve working in other facilities such as Biological Mass Spectrometry and the Royce Institute, as well as in the labs of different academics within the MCMC. The appointee will be part of a larger consortium of technology focussed scientists within the Manchester Cell Matrix Centre working on developing novel toolkits and approaches for cutting edge extracellular matrix research.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to .

Any CV\'s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Martin Humphries, Thomas Jowitt

Email: Martin.humphries@manchester.ac.uk / Thomas.a.jowitt@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email:

Technical support:

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

University of Manchester