Job Description

Salary

Grade 6 - 35,608 - 39,906 per annum

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full-Time

Job category/type

Fixed Term - Full-Time

Job reference

REC00004351

Senior Research Associate

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group - one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

The School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate for a fixed-term contract of up to 16 months.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working on a collaborative project, funded by both University HEIF funds and InnovateUK, aimed at developing advanced bioceramic surface treatments for orthopaedic implants. The project focuses on improving implant integration and reducing the risk of infection through innovative coating technologies, in partnership with industrial collaborators.

Working under the guidance of Professor Marta Roldo, the postholder will contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of protocols and risk assessments. The Senior Research Associate will also manage research data, co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students, and present findings internally and externally, including at conferences and stakeholder meetings. Research experience in the physicochemical characterisation of biomaterials (SEM, FTIR, XRD, profilometry, etc), determination of cytocompatibility (cell culture) and antimicrobial properties (microbiology) of materials is desirable.

This is a full-time post based in Portsmouth, UK, with opportunities for collaboration across academic and industrial partners. The role offers a stimulating research environment and the chance to contribute to impactful biomedical innovation.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Marta Roldo, Principal Investigator: marta.roldo@port.ac.uk

Location:

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role.

Interview date:

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 20th January 2026.

Fixed term wording: delete if not required - if required delete heading

This appointment is a fixed-term contract for 16 months. Ideally the start date will be 01/02/2026 - 31/05/2027.

For internal candidates it may be possible to apply for this role under the Secondment Policy . If you wish to apply as a secondee, you must have approval of your line manager in advance of submitting your application form. Please confirm in your application that your line manager has approved this.

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale. Generous pension scheme. Generous leave entitlement of 32-35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure. Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working. Staff discounts and loyalty schemes. Staff car parking and discounted public travel. Excellent training and development opportunities. Staff wellbeing programmes. Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities. Discounted learning. Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme. The perks don't stop there - click 'apply' for further information on My Reward and Benefits

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.