The University of Manchester
Research Associate

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Duration is 6 months (start date 15th of October or as soon as practical)
This is an outstanding opportunity for a PhD, with a background in material characterisation, to work within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) under the supervision of Prof Alberto Saiani. The post holder will be part of the Polymer and Peptide Research Group (www.polymersandpeptides.co.uk).
The candidate will support the aims of the project funded by Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC). This innovative project will study the fabric surfaces binding mechanisms of novel multi-functional proteins engineered to deliver diverse consumer benefits.
This position offers an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic, well-motivated individual to work as part of a sociable multi-disciplinary team consisting of PhD and PDRA. The ideal candidate will have excellent scientific and communication skills and will be able to work with minimal supervision leading the interaction with industrial collaborator Unilever. Experience of material characterisation techniques: QCM, AFM, ToF-SIMS and/or TEM is essential for the position.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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 here


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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 People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Please note that an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is required for this role.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof Alberto Saiani
Email: a.saiani@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
Jobtrain Client Support Hub
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.
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