Research Associate (fixed term) (CC7786)

The Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join their team assessing the skin pharmacokinetics of topical drugs using non-invasive techniques. This is on a full time, fixed term basis of up to 10 months.

The central hypothesis of the research is that Raman spectroscopic imaging can provide a minimally invasive, accurate, sensitive, reproducible and at least semi-quantitative determination of the rate and extent to which a topically administered drug becomes available at its site of action in the skin (and, specifically, the epidermis).

The initial goal of this project, which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), is to establish experimental methods, combining Raman and mass spectrometry imaging, to prove this hypothesis ex vivo; subsequently, the objective is to develop Raman imaging in vivo, and to calibrate the approach using complementary techniques, including stratum corneum sampling and reverse iontophoresis, an additional, alternative, non-invasive method.  

The specific responsibilities of the Research Associate involve the combination of existing know-how in the assessment of topical bioavailability with novel spectroscopic imaging strategies and mathematical modelling to demonstrate that the routine, facile and non-invasive measurement of drug pharmacokinetics in the skin in vivo is an attainable objective with considerable potential for application in regulatory science and decision-making.

The successful candidate should have a broad experience of:

drug delivery into and through the skin, with established expertise and knowledge of the fundamentals of skin pharmacokineticsstratum corneum sampling methodologiesin vitro and in vivo skin penetration experiments and iontophoresis.application of Raman spectroscopy and/or mass spectrometric methods to address problems in biology is also desirable

You will join a team that includes collaborators at the National Physical Laboratory (Teddington, UK) and the Colorado School of Mines (US).

For an informal conversation about this role please email Prof Richard Guy (prsrhg@bath.ac.uk).

What can we offer you?

Generous employer contributory pension scheme39 day holiday (annual leave, discretionary days and bank holidays)A flexible working environmentOfsted outstanding rated onsite nursery and childcare vouchers schemeSalary exchange scheme (cycle to work)Interest free loans for public transport seasons tickets and motorcycle purchases for commutingOnsite private and NHS dentistOnsite medical centreDiscounted physiotherapyOnsite parking

We have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Bronze Athena SWAN award, and we are actively working towards a Silver award. We are a family-friendly University, with an increasingly agile workforce, we are open to flexible working arrangements. We’re also proud to be a disability confident leader and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require.

We are an Autism Friendly University. Please speak to our Ambassador for Autism on how we endeavour to adapt our process for you. 

Closing Date: 22 Sep 2020
Type: Education & Research