Research Associate – Mono-Responsive Microbubbles for Acoustically-Triggered Drug Release

RFCSR; Greater London; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Annual leave

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a multidisciplinary program focused on mono-responsive microbubbles for acoustically-triggered drug delivery. The role involves designing, fabricating, and evaluating microbubbles and conjugating them with drug-loaded liposomes for ultrasound-triggered release.

You will work with experts in microfluidics, acoustics, and biomedical engineering, publish findings, and supervise junior researchers within a collaborative

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD may also be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in lipid chemistry and formulation of microbubbles and/or liposomes
• Strong understanding of the physical and chemical principles governing microbubble and liposome formation and stability
• Experience with characterisation techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), optical microscopy, or related analytical tools
• Proven ability to design and conduct independent research within an interdisciplinary environment
• Strong publication record or potential to publish in high-impact journals
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to joint research goals
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivation and the ability to drive research projects forward independently

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and evaluate mono-responsive microbubbles with tailored shell and gas properties.
• Conjugate microbubbles with drug-loaded liposomes to enable ultrasound-triggered drug release.
• Characterise microbubbles and liposomes using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., DLS, microscopy).
• Assess stability and performance under acoustic stimulation.
• Contribute to scientific publications and supervise junior researchers where appropriate.
• Support planning and execution of project milestones within a collaborative research framework.

Skills

Lipid chemistry

Microbubble formulation

Liposome formulation

DLS

Optical microscopy

Independent research

Publications

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Self-motivation

Education

PhD in chemical/ biomedical engineering/ chemistry/ materials science or related

Job description

Research Associate – Mono-Responsive Microbubbles for Acoustically-Triggered Drug Release

Imperial College London
South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom

General Description
Imperial College London is seeking a Research Associate to contribute to an innovative, multidisciplinary research programme focused on the development of mono-responsive microbubbles for acoustically-triggered drug delivery. This role is part of a collaborative, cross-institutional initiative aimed at advancing non-invasive, brain-targeted therapeutic delivery platforms.

The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and evaluate microbubbles with tailored shell and gas properties, and conjugate them with drug-loaded liposomes to enable ultrasound-triggered drug release. The role involves working closely with experts in microfluidics, acoustics, and biomedical engineering, contributing to a high-impact research environment.

Key responsibilities include developing lipid-based formulations, characterising microbubbles and liposomes using advanced analytical techniques, and assessing their stability and performance under acoustic stimulation. The candidate will also contribute to scientific publications, supervise junior researchers where appropriate, and support the planning and execution of project milestones within a collaborative research framework.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a transformative research project with significant potential for impact in neural therapy and drug delivery, while building a strong foundation for future careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD may also be considered.

Required expertise/skills
Demonstrated expertise in lipid chemistry and formulation of microbubbles and/or liposomes
Strong understanding of the physical and chemical principles governing microbubble and liposome formation and stability
Experience with characterisation techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), optical microscopy, or related analytical tools
Proven ability to design and conduct independent research within an interdisciplinary environment
Strong publication record or potential to publish in high-impact journals
Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to joint research goals
Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Self-motivation and the ability to drive research projects forward independently

Salary details
£49,017 – £57,472 per annum, with additional benefits including generous pension schemes and annual leave

Application Deadline
Not explicitly specified