We are seeking
a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join Professor Dame Molly Stevens’s lab. The ideal candidate will have experience in hydrogel chemistry, microfluidics and bioprinting, and a strong understanding of the cell-biomaterial interactions. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, fabrication and biological evaluation of microgel-based encapsulation and therapeutic delivery systems. This post is available immediately for 18 months. Key responsibilities:
1. Design and optimise hydrogel systems for cell encapsulation, cell delivery, 3D culture and biofabrication.
2. Develop droplet microfluidic workflows for the reproducible generation of uniform hydrogel microparticles and cell-laden microgels.
3. Characterise the hydrogels using rheology, microscopy and related physicochemical techniques, and translate the results into design rules.
4. Plan and perform cell culture and encapsulation experiments, including viability, proliferation, imaging and functional assays.
See Job Description for a full list of responsibilities. Selection criteria:
5. Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in biomaterials, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, chemistry, or related field.
6. Experience in the design or fabrication of hydrogel microparticles, microgels or related biomaterial systems for cell encapsulation, cell delivery or 3D culture.
7. Experience in droplet microfluidics or closely related microscale fluidic fabrication methods.
8. Understanding of cell culture and in vitro evaluation of biomaterial-cell interactions.
9. Experience in biomaterials characterisation techniques relevant to soft materials, such as rheology, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
10. Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, with a proven track record of first author publications in peer reviewed journals.
See Job Description for a full list of criteria. What we offer: Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:
11. An excellent contributory pension scheme
12. 38 days annual leave
13. A comprehensive range of childcare services
14. Family leave schemes
15. Cycle and electric car loan schemes
16. Employee Assistance Programme
17. Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
18. Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.