Research Associate In Rna Vaccine Manufacturing Process Modelling

Overview

In this exciting post-doctoral researcher position, you will be performing process modelling for quality by design (QbD) and techno-economic modelling of a new continuous mRNA vaccine and therapeutics manufacturing platform process, aiming to produce highly thermostable and low-cost needle free oral delivery patches. The following unit operations will be modelled: in vitro transcription reaction, tangential flow filtration, chromatography, mRNA-polymersome formulation, and electrospinning. You will be working closely with experimental process developers to design informative experiments, receive data from them, model the processes and use the models to guide process development. For the QbD modelling, you will establish mathematical models to link product critical quality attributes to manufacturing process parameters and to map out the design-space in a product and disease agnostic manner. For techno-economic modelling, you will be developing batch and continuous manufacturing process models in SuperPro Designer and evaluate the manufacturing costs and productivity of various process variants and manufacturing scenarios. The work is funded as a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engineering Biology Mission Award project.       

Main duties and responsibilities

• In consultation with the line manager, design, set-up and perform techno-economic modelling and QbD modelling simulations to achieve the project aims.
• Take initiative and play a leading role in the techno-economic modelling and QbD modelling of the manufacturing processes. 
• Perform statistical/factorial design of experiments, analyse data and model manufacturing processes.
• Keep excellent scientific records, prepare reports, and participate in conference calls with collaborators and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with other researchers and engineers from various disciplines, for instance to plan research, share data and best practice approaches, in support of defining and achieving research objectives.
• Based on QbD and techno-economic modelling findings, inform and contribute to the development of experimental processes, specifically for further developing and optimising the mRNA-polymersome manufacturing platform processes. 
• Supervise/advise research team/activities including the training of others. Co-supervise student projects related to your project and support postgraduate researchers.
• Demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, following all guidelines, procedures etc., escalating any concerns as appropriate.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences / trainings / workshops to keep abreast of relevant scientific developments in the field.
• Take a lead role in writing up research outcomes for technical reports. Write up research outcomes for publications, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate results, for example, in peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national/international conferences and seminars.
• Contribute to the development of further research proposals. Optionally, contribute to commercialisation activities.
• Plan and manage your own workload, with guidance from the line manager.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Further information

Line Manager Co-Investigator and Work Package lead in the UKRI Engineering Biology Mission Award project 

Direct Reports none

For informal enquiries about this job contact cbe-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk or Dr Zoltán Kis at z.kis@sheffield.ac.uk 

Person specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place 2-4 weeks after the application submission deadline. This will consist of interviews and presentations. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the application deadline. Contact cbe-recruiters@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria you will be invited to interview