Research Associate in Bio-engineering

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Loughborough University invites applications for a fixed-term position as a Research Associate in Bio-engineering. The role focuses on advanced research within the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, contributing to the design of cutting-edge biofabricated neural systems. Ideal candidates should have a proactive, collaborative spirit and relevant expertise in microengineering fields.

Benefits

Family-friendly policies

Flexible working arrangements

Real Living Wage Employer benefits

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in developing neural networks from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).
• Background in microengineering and the ability to collaborate in a dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Developing microfabricated platforms and bioengineered neural systems.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on neuromorphic computing projects.

Skills

Microfabrication

Lithography

3D Printing

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage .

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website .

Job details

Job title Research Associate in Bio-engineering Job reference REQ250438 Date posted 30/05/2025 Application closing date 07/07/2025 Location Loughborough Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35116 per annum Job description

Full-Time and Fixed Term for 2 years

This project forms part of the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, a national EPSRC-funded initiative bringing together world-leading expertise in AI, neuroscience, photonics, materials science and bioengineering. The Loughborough University team focuses on developing human stem cell-derived neural networks and engineering microfabricated platforms to support and interrogate these networks in vitro.

The project will create advanced bioengineered neural systems by differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into neurons and integrating them within custom-designed microdevices. These platforms will allow precise spatial arrangement and functional assessment of living neural networks using electrophysiological and optogenetic techniques. The work will directly contribute to the Centre’s overarching goal of developing neuromorphic computing systems inspired by the architecture and dynamics of biological brains.

Researchers will also work closely with collaborators in neuromorphic engineering, computational neuroscience and advanced fabrication to support the development of next-generation hybrid bio-digital platforms.

This post is based within the Department of Chemistry, School of Science at Loughborough University, working with Professor Paul Roach and Dr Eric Hill in collaboration with the wider UK Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, led by Aston University. As such, the successful applicant will need to be proactive and dynamic to work in response to many other elements within the overall project. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about multidisciplinary collaboration and have a proactive approach to working within a dynamic research environment.

Expertise in microfabrication, lithography, 3D printing, or other relevant microengineering techniques would be highly advantageous. The post holder will lead the design and fabrication of culture platforms and the optimisation of protocols for generating functional hiPSC-derived neuronal networks. Training will be provided where appropriate on specialist instrumentation and for specific methodologies.

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification .

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Paul Roach or Dr Eric Hill by email at [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Application closing date: 7 July 2025