Research Associate – Mono-Responsive Microbubbles for Acoustically-Triggered Drug Release

Imperial College London
South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom

General Description
Imperial College London is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to an innovative, multidisciplinary research programme focused on the development of mono-responsive micro-bubbles for acoustically-triggered drug delivery. This role is part of a collaborative, cross-institutional initiative aimed at advancing non-invasive, brain-targeted therapeutic delivery platforms.

The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and evaluate micro-bubbles with tailored shell and gas properties, and conjugate them with drug-loaded liposomes to enable ultrasound-triggered drug release. The role involves working closely with experts in microfluidics, acoustics, and biomedical engineering, contributing to a high-impact research environment.

Key responsibilities include developing lipid-based formulations, characterising micro-bubbles and liposomes using advanced analytical techniques, and assessing their stability and performance under acoustic stimulation. The candidate will also contribute to scientific publications, supervise junior researchers where appropriate, and support the planning and execution of project milestones within a collaborative research framework.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a transformative research project with significant potential for impact in neural therapy and drug delivery, while building a strong foundation for future careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD may also be considered.

Required expertise/skills
Demonstrated expertise in lipid chemistry and formulation of micro-bubbles and/or liposomes
Strong understanding of the physical and chemical principles governing microbubble and liposome formation and stability

Experience with characterisation techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), optical microscopy, or related analytical tools
Proven ability to design and conduct independent research within an interdisciplinary environment
Strong publication record or potential to publish in high-impact journals
Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to joint research goals
Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Self-motivation and the ability to drive research projects forward independently

Salary details
£49,017 – £57,472 per annum, with additional benefits including generous pension schemes and annual leave

Final date to receive applications
Not explicitly specified