Research Associate in Engineered Living Materials

Imperial College London - Department of Chemical Engineering

Location:	London, Hybrid
Salary:	£49,017 to £57,472 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 18th December 2025
Closes: 18th January 2026
Job Ref: ENG03769

Location: South Kensington

About the role:

Do you have a background in molecular biology and materials synthesis and are searching for a position that will let you combine the two? We are seeking a Research Associate in Engineered Living Materials to work on the development of new methods for the encapsulation of bacterial cells to build structured synthetic microbial communities. The post is funded by the BBSRC/NSF-BIO collaborative programme in conjunction with the Kunjapur lab at the University of Delaware and builds on an initial proof-of-concept study using alignate co-polymers. The specific role for this post is to examine new materials to tailor the environment to support the growth of specific cell types to answer biological questions.

What you would be doing:

You will develop new encapsulation methods that are biocompatible and apply these to the encapsulation of microbes of different species with different growth niches. You will examine the effect of geometry of the material on microbial community structure and biocontainment.

What we are looking for:

The following essential knowledge, skills & experience are sought:

• PhD in materials science, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including materials synthesis and characterisation, casting of materials into different shapes
• Practical experience in culturing different types of cells including bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells
• Practical experience in synthetic biology, engineering biology, or engineered living materials
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The post is a fixed term contract for 24 months with possibility of extension

*Applicants who already hold a PhD will be considered for appointment as at the Research Associate level (£49,017 - £57,472). Applicants who have not yet officially been awarded their PhD will be considered at the Research Assistant level (£43,863 - £47,223) with ability to move to the Research Associate level upon award of the PhD.

Closing date for applications: 23.59 GMT, Sunday 18 January 2026

To apply, please complete the online application.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Prof Karen Polizzi (k.polizzi@imperial.ac.uk)