Location: Brunel University London, Oxbridge Campus

Working hours: full time

Contract type: fixed term

Founded in 1966, Brunel University London is a leading multidisciplinary, research-intensive technological university offering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

Applications are invited for a researcher to work under the supervision of Professor Mezi Fan in a European Commission-funded research project, Horizon Europe CELLMEMBRANE (Development of Nanocellulose-Based Gas Transport Scaffold Membrane for Artificial Lung Applications). CELLMEMBRANE aims to develop the world’s first nanomaterial to manufacture an artificial lung device. The consortium will develop a preliminary proof of concept of the nanocellulose device to demonstrate gas transport and initial hemocompatibility in blood. In an alliance-based approach, this project brings together the technologies and expertise of Smart Reactors (Ireland), NUIG (Ireland), University of Tübingen (Germany), Sealink (Sweden) and Brunel, University of London (UK) to address the need for long-term lung support for use outside the intensive clinical setting.

This position is essential to the successful delivery of CELLMEMBRANE, for which Brunel is the lead partner for the project. Applicants must have a university degree in Materials, Chemistry, Physics, Civil Engineering or a related subject area. Ideally you should have experience in developing, formulating and operationalizing materials. Knowledge of wood, other natural fibers and nanocellulose production will be an advantage.

The job holder is expected to be able to work with the ability to organise, implement and deliver work programmes. You will be able to demonstrate competence and success in postdoctoral work as governed by publications. You will also have the ability to work supportively in a laboratory environment. You must have the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research team, communicate effectively with external collaborators and stakeholders, and conduct independent research through collaboration and exchange of information and skills. Good communication skills and travel to other partners across the EU are also required.

Main duties will include managing the sub-project and coordinating multiple aspects of the work to meet deadlines. You will test hypotheses, analyze scientific data from a variety of sources, review and improve the work program as appropriate, collaborate on scientific reports and journal articles, and frequently present papers and posters.

The position will be based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Uxbridge, West London. Entries are available immediately and available for 12 months.

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary university closing days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a fantastic occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related supports. The university is committed to a blended working approach.

Application deadline: November 14, 2025

Interviews will be conducted the following week after November 14, 2025 on MS Teams.

For more details about the post including the job description and person specification and to apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button.

If you have any technical problems please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk

Brunel University London has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to foster and achieve a fully inclusive workforce to reflect our community.