"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

About us:

Are you a driven researcher eager to see your work make a real-world impact?

King’s College London is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the pioneering NanoCure project, an ambitious programme developing medical-grade nanoneedle bandages to deliver life-changing gene therapy for patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB).

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge nanotechnology, gene therapy, and translational medicine — taking an innovative laboratory breakthrough and moving it closer to first-in-human trials.

About the role:

As Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will:

• Lead experimental work on the sterility, safety, and efficacy of NanoCure bandages in vitro and in vivo.
• Support manufacturing and process development, collaborating with the Southampton Nanofabrication Centre.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation required for MHRA submission, including technical files and clinical investigation plans.
• Play an active role in the commercial development of NanoCure, helping position it for clinical translation, intellectual property protection, and future partnerships.
• Disseminate findings through publications, presentations, and public engagement, while working closely with a collaborative team of scientists, clinicians, and engineers.

We are looking for a motivated and versatile researcher with:

• A PhD in biomedical engineering, molecular biology, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Strong skills in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and/or biomaterials.
• Experience in in vitro and/or in vivo experimental design and analysis.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/10/2027.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in biomedical engineering, molecular biology, materials science, or related discipline*.
2. Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and transfection methods.
3. Experience with biomaterials, nanotechnology, or medical device development.
4. Demonstrated ability to plan and execute in vitro and/or in vivo studies.
5. Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
6. Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and institutions.

Desirable criteria

1. Interest in translational research and commercialisation of medical devices.

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Grade and Salary: £45,031 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 127746

Close Date: 30-Oct-2025

Contact Person: Ciro Chiappini

Contact Details: ciro.chiappini@kcl.ac.uk