Retinal Bioengineering Scientist - KTP Associate

Retinal Bioengineering Scientist - KTP Associate

Queen's University Belfast - School of Pharmacy

Location: Belfast
Salary: £38,000 to £41,000 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 8th June 2026
Closes: 29th June 2026
Job Ref: 26/113426

Through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme, MediNect Bioservices Limited, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, has an exciting employment opportunity for a motivated candidate with a background in bioengineering, biomaterials, biotechnology, or tissue engineering. The successful candidate will work on a project to establish a vascularised retina-on-chip capability, an advanced, human-relevant retinal model that will enable dependable CRO delivery, support earlier decision-making, and strengthen the UK’s commitment to innovative non-animal research methods.

This is a company-based role, delivered in close collaboration with the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s.

The successful candidate will join the team at Medinect Bioservices Limited, a pioneering pre-clinical CRO specialising in ophthalmology. MediNect provides in vivo (animal) and in vitro (lab) research services to global biotechnology, pharmaceutical and academic organisations developing novel therapeutics, biologics, gene therapies, and medical technologies for retinal and ocular diseases.

Information about the company partner can be found at: https://www.medinect.co.uk/

Please note that this role may be closed earlier than the stated closing date if a large volume of applications are received.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Have, or be about to obtain (Thesis to be submitted by the project start date), a PhD in biomedical engineering, biomaterials, tissue engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Relevant, significant experience in the following areas: microfabrication, microfluidic design and endothelial/retinal cell culture.
• Relevant experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
• Significant experience in bioprinting for the precise deposition of biocompatible materials, including cells.
• Relevant experience in developing disease models
• Relevant experience in the development and characterization of bioinks.
• Authorship of at least one review article and one research manuscript as first author, published in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals in the last two years.

Please note the above are not an exhaustive list. Applicants must adequately evidence how they have gained relevant experience/knowledge/skills in detail, using examples and dates where appropriate to demonstrate that they meet these requirements. It is not sufficient to simply list duties/skills/modules/assignment titles as evidence.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

A KTP role is the perfect launchpad for your career providing the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and skills to deliver a strategic innovation project within a company. One of the unique benefits to KTP is access to a substantial development budget and the support and guidance of Queen’s world-class academics and researchers. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work closely between academia and industry whilst developing your skills to run and manage projects.

Information about the KTP Programme can be found at: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Business/Support-for-business/Knowledge-Transfer-Partnerships/ktp-for-graduates/