Research Associate In Motile Vesicle Engineering Mitochondrial Matrix Delivery

As a Research Associate in Motile Vesicle Engineering for Mitochondrial Matrix Delivery, you will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team developing next-generation synthetic biology platforms to overcome one of the central bottlenecks in mitochondrial genome engineering: getting genetic cargo across the double membrane and into the matrix. You will contribute to pioneering research at the interface of synthetic biology, soft matter biophysics and membrane engineering, leading the development of autonomous, motile synthetic vesicles within an ambitious UK consortium spanning Imperial College London, the University of Birmingham and partner Institutions, funded through the UK's .

You will take the lead on the design, development, and testing of motile synthetic vesicles capable of delivering genetic cargo into the mitochondrial matrix. You will work closely with collaborators across disciplines, gaining experience in cutting-edge methods at the interface of synthetic biology, soft matter biophysics and membrane engineering.

This position is part of an ARIA-funded Precision Mitochondria programme. As a key member of this collaborative consortium, you will benefit from close interaction with world-class partners working on complementary delivery, editing and transfer technologies, milestone reviews and consortium meetings, and an exceptional environment to advance both your research and career development.

Specifically, you will:

• Design and fabricate motile synthetic vesicles with controlled morphology, topology and membrane composition, optimised for structural stability, autonomous motility and mitochondrial compatibility.
• Implement and quantify biocompatible propulsion mechanisms that drive sustained, directional vesicle motion.
• Develop biological assays using cell-mimetic membrane systems (GUVs with cell-mimic composition), isolated mitochondria and cell cultures, to evaluate membrane engagement, penetration and matrix delivery.
• Combine motility with mitochondrial-targeting ligands to develop a dual strategy of active intracellular exploration followed by selective anchoring.
• Work closely with consortium partners to hybridise vesicle systems with complementary delivery components and contribute to a shared benchmarking and validation framework across the programme.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant reporting, milestone reviews, and present at consortium and international meetings
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We are seeking a highly motivated, collaborative and forward-thinking researcher. This is a highly practical, hands-on project that will suit someone who enjoys experimental work, is a hands-on problem-solver and finds creative ways to move the project forward.

• A PhD in soft matter/polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent research or industrial experience.
• A track record of thriving in vibrant, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research environments, in academia and/or industry.
• Experience designing, executing and troubleshooting complex experimental research programmes.
• Experience with, or strong interest in, active/motile matter, self-assembly, or stimuli-responsive soft materials.
• Experience with synthetic vesicle systems fabrication, membrane biophysics, and functionalisation.
• Familiarity with cell culture and/or mitochondrial biology, relevant biochemical or functional assays for investigating and assessing drug delivery would be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for working within a large, interdisciplinary team and multi-institution consortium.

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