Postgraduate Research Associate (6337)

Fixed-term, part-time (18.25 hours/week) post from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027. Salary £33,001.64 – £38,784.49 per annum (pro rata). Non-sponsorable for Skilled Worker visa. Closing date: 1 November 2026. Reference: 6337.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postgraduate Research Associate for the Welsh Government‑funded project “Expansion of cultivated meat research at Aberystwyth University: encompassing texture and accelerating research for economic benefit in Wales”. The project aims to expand current cultivated meat research through edible scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, and AI‑Machine Learning (AI‑ML) driven high‑throughput pipelines.

The role is primarily desk‑based: conducting a literature and industry review to identify knowledge gaps, producing an innovation plan, and targeting follow‑on funding or commercialisation. It also involves laboratory work in our cell culture facility to generate proof‑of‑concept data on the growth of primary bovine satellite cells on 3D bioprinted scaffolds.

The post is based in Dr Ruth Wonfor’s research group (Department of Life Sciences) with collaboration from Prof Tossapon Boongoen (Department of Computer Science) and the Welsh biotech company Copner Biotech. There will be opportunities to network with other cultivated meat companies and experts. The project runs for 5 months; while a full‑time post is envisaged, a job‑share arrangement (two part‑time individuals) is also possible to cover the diverse cell culture/scaffold and AI‑ML aims.

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Ruth Wonfor at rec21@aber.ac.uk. Appointments are normally made within 4–8 weeks of the closing date.

Responsibilities

Main duties

• Complete a literature review of academic and industry literature on edible scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, and AI‑ML for cultivated meat.
• Support development of a professional network with industry collaborators and academic experts to foster future collaborations.
• Participate in site visits to external companies or academic institutes to assess technologies and discuss data requirements.
• Undertake cell culture studies to assess attachment and proliferation of primary bovine satellite cells on selected edible scaffolds produced by an external company.
• Order lab consumables and supplies while monitoring budget spend.

Other duties

• Undertake other duties as assigned by the line manager, commensurate with the role’s grade.
• Engage in university‑level projects and initiatives as directed.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues during periods of high demand, including attendance at key university events (e.g., open days, graduation ceremonies) which may involve weekend work.
• Promote equality of opportunity and uphold the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in continuous personal and professional development, including relevant training.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities and promote personal health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices.

Requirements

Essential

• Masters or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g., cell biology, biological sciences, tissue engineering, computer science).
• Demonstrable experience in mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques (not required for the AI‑ML focused individual in a job‑share).
• Ability to follow defined methodologies, troubleshoot, and update protocols effectively.
• Attention to detail for accurate, reliable data production and literature synthesis.
• Ability to deliver tasks in a timely manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work with external industry partners.
• Organisational skills with ability to multitask and work independently on defined tasks.
• IT and data management skills (spreadsheets/databases, word processing).
• Awareness of the bilingual nature of the University and procedures supporting bilingual working.

Desirable

• Prior experience in cultivated meat and/or AI‑ML.
• Good knowledge of laboratory health and safety and waste management procedures.
• Experience with downstream cell analyses (e.g., immunofluorescence, RT‑PCR, cell cytotoxicity).
• Ability to work flexibly with changes in research priorities.
• Oral and written Welsh language proficiency at Level A1 or above.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy and hybrid working arrangements.
• 36.5‑hour week for full‑time roles (pro rata for part‑time).
• Generous leave entitlement: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Enhanced employer contributions to workplace pension schemes.
• Staff recognition and reward schemes.
• Free Welsh language learning opportunities.
• Staff relocation bursary.
• Maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption leave.
• Staff discounts for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Pay

£33,001.64 – £38,784.49 per annum (pro rata for part‑time hours).

Schedule

• Contract type: Fixed term.
• Duration: 1 November 2026 – 31 March 2027.
• Working pattern: Part‑time, 18.25 hours per week.
• Hybrid working supported (mix of office‑based and remote work subject to service needs and manager approval).