Research Associate for the Development of Lipid-Based Synthetic Cells Capable of Delivering Genetic Cargo into

About the role Please note interviews will be held on a rolling basis while the advert is live. It is therefore strongly recommended that you submit your application as early as possible. The advert will be closed once a suitable candidate is selected.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the group of Professor Oscar Ces at Imperial College London as part of the PIONEER (Programmable In-Organelle Nucleic-acid Entry, Expression and Retention) consortium.

PIONEER is an ambitious UK research programme bringing together researchers from Imperial College London, the University of Bristol, and the University of Glasgow, funded through the UK’s Advanced Research and Innovation Agency’s (ARIA) Precision Mitochondria programme.

Our goal is to develop transformative technologies for engineering mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), overcoming one of the major challenges in modern genome engineering. To achieve this, we are developing programmable lipid-based synthetic cells that are capable of transporting genetic cargo into mitochondria within living cells. As part of this project we will also be developing high-throughput automated bio-screens incorporating optical trapping that will aid the development of these synthetic cells.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the interface of synthetic biology, biomembrane engineering, microfluidics, soft matter biophysics, optical trapping and drug delivery within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

Please note, this job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

What you would be doing

You will lead the design, production, and characterisation of synthetic cells to deliver mtDNA inside living cells.

Your responsibilities will include:

Designing and generating libraries of synthetic cells using microfluidic technologies.

Developing in-vitro screening platforms incorporating optical tweeers to quantify and optimise cargo delivery to mitochondria.

Investigating the interaction of synthetic cell delivery vehicles with biological membrane barriers en-route to mitochondria and mitochondrial targets themselves.

Applying automated and closed-loop optimisation approaches to improve delivery performance.

Analysing and interpreting experimental data and communicating findings within the consortium.

Preparing technical reports and project updates for ARIA.Presenting research findings at internal meetings, scientific conferences and ARIA workshops.

Working closely with collaborators across Imperial College London, the University of Bristol and the University of Glasgow.

What we are looking for Essential criteria for the role include:

A PhD qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Physics or a closely related field, or an equivalent level of experience.

Strong research track record relative to experience, in academia and/or industry

Experience designing, executing and troubleshooting complex experimental research programmes.

Ability to develop instrumentation and devices from first-principles

Ability to work in a milestone-driven environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable experience for this role includes one or more of the following:
Microfluidics, Optical Tweezers, Biomembrane Engineering, Synthetic Cell Development, Droplet Interface Bilayers, Soft Matter Biophysics, Lipid Nanoparticles, Drug Delivery Systems, Automation, Robotics and Closed-loop Optimisation and working with external collaborators.

We welcome applications from candidates who do not meet every desirable criterion but have relevant expertise and a strong interest in developing new skills.

What we can offer you Working within the Ces group (Membrane Biophysics Platform) in our state-of-the-art labs in the 200M Molecular Sciences Research Hub at the 1BN Imperial College White City Campus in West London. You will join a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment comprising more than 60 researchers working across synthetic cells, biomolecular engineering, microfluidics, membrane biophysics and biotechnology.

As part of…