Research Assistant/Associate in Experimental Fluid Dynamics at Newcastle University

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum
Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annum

The Role
We are looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to join our Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Systems research group in the School of Engineering at Newcastle University. You will benefit from having access to cutting-edge expertise and state-of-the-art research facilities.

Project ‘VELVET’: Evaluating the aspiration efficiency and field of fluidic effect during vitrectomy, is funded by BVI who are a growing ophthalmic company that is committed to developing end-to-end innovative products to support surgeons and their healthcare staff to provide the best care to their patients. Vitrectomy (i.e., removal of the vitreous gel from the eye) is an established and effective therapy for a range of blinding retinal diseases including retinal detachment and macular pucker. The number of operations carried out is rapidly rising; it is one of the fastest growing surgeries in the UK. Using Hospital Episode Statistics, the number of vitrectomies carried out in the UK has risen from 22,000 in 2010 to over 35,000 per annum in 2019, and over 1 million globally.

Project ‘VELVET’ will develop a deeper physical understanding on the complex fluid dynamics during vitrectomy, leading to safer and improved surgery. You will conduct particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in a laboratory setting during vitrectomy in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. This will be an exciting, fast-paced interdisciplinary research project where you will have multiple opportunities to observe retina surgery in the clinical setting at Newcastle Hospitals and will interact closely with BVI’s R&D team.

This position is full-time (37 hours per week) on a fixed-term basis, available immediately for 24 months.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

Please contact Dr Richard Whalley (Richard.Whalley@newcastle.ac.uk) or Professor David Steel (david.steel@newcastle.ac.uk) to have an informal conversation about the role. More information on our research team and research projects can be found at www.experimental-fluid-dynamics.com.

To apply, please upload a CV and letter of application which outlines how you can evidence the requirements in the job description.

To view the job description, please click here.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.