Research Assistant (850713)University

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join an exciting project investigating the health risks associated with artificial engineered stone (AES), a material increasingly linked to cases of occupational silicosis in workers.

The successful candidate will work with the group of PI Dr Fiona Murphy and contribute to the development and validation of innovative, non-animal approaches for assessing the toxicity of respirable particles generated during AES processing. Working within a multidisciplinary research team, you will use the Galleria mellonella (wax worm larvae) model to evaluate and compare the hazards posed by different AES products.

The project is structured around three complementary work packages designed to develop, apply and validate a novel toxicity testing platform for artificial engineered stone (AES) particles. Initial milestones focuses on establishing and optimising the Galleria mellonella model for assessing silica particle toxicity. This includes characterising engineered stone dusts and reference silica materials, refining exposure protocols, and determining suitable toxicity endpoints through acute and sub-chronic studies. Subsequent work will use the optimised model to investigate the hazards posed by AES particles, examining survival, immune responses, tissue damage, fibrosisrelated changes, oxidative stress, and molecular signatures identified through proteomic and metabolomic analyses. These studies will help identify biomarkers and biological pathways associated with particle-induced disease and assess the extent to which responses in G. mellonella reflect known mechanisms of human lung fibrosis. The final work package focuses on validation, dissemination and capacity building, comparing findings from the G. mellonella model with existing in vitro and human data to demonstrate its relevance for hazard assessment. The work package will also support knowledge exchange through scientific publications and conference presentations while integrating project activities into undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in toxicology, occupational health research, and alternative testing models while contributing to research with direct impact on worker safety and future health regulations.

Applicants may use tools such as AI to support their application; however, all submissions must accurately reflect their own experience and understanding. The University reserves the right to verify the authenticity of application materials and may reject applications where concerns arise.

Initial interviews have been scheduled for week commencing 12th October 2026.

For informal enquiries, please contact Fiona Murphy, Senior Lecturer at [email protected]

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£33,002 to £36,636 per annum