About the role
We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the multi-centre project “ULYSSES – Ultrasensitive Luminescence-based Yeast Sensors for Early Cancer Detection”. This is a 3M€, highly innovative Horizon Europe Pathfinder project aimed at developing a next-generation, yeast-based biosensing platform for the early detection of breast and prostate cancer through urine analysis.
In this project, you will design, fabricate, optimise and validate a microfluidic platform integrating engineered yeast-based biosensors for urine sample in microplate readers. This will involve the use of computational tools for computer-aided design and computational fluid dynamics simulations, microfabrication techniques, bespoke hardware for liquid handling, and analytical characterisation methods. In addition, you will contribute to the integration of the platform with a diagnostic interface incorporating machine-learning models for data interpretation. The work will be supervised by Dr Guido Bolognesi in the Department of Chemistry at UCL ().
The post is funded for up to 36 months, with a start date of 1st May or shortly thereafter.
Please note, appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £39, to £41, per annum, including London Allowance of £5, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis
About you
You will have a PhD degree (or will have submitted your thesis prior to taking up the position) in a field related to microtechnology, such as bioengineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in microfluidics is essential. Proven expertise in more than one of the following areas is also required: microfabrication, lab-on-a-chip technologies, computer-aided design, computational fluid dynamics, biosensing, system integration and instrumentation and software development. You will have experience with multidisciplinary research and of working effectively as part of a research team. Experience in undertaking proof-of-concept studies and collaborative experiments is essential. A strong publication track record is required.
A full job description and Person Specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply’ button below.
With your application, please ensure you state why are interested in the post, demonstrate how you meet the person specification criteria, a CV and list of publications.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Guido Bolognesi,. Any queries on the application process can be directed to, as we wish to encourage online applications.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Hybrid Final Salary Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance