Research Fellow in Synthetic Cells

About us

The Chemistry Department at University College London is the oldest in England, and today is one of the best in the UK, ranked 2nd in the UK for the world-class impact of its research in REF2014. The Department of Chemistry at UCL is committed to supporting excellence in both research and teaching. The department offers undergraduate BSc and MSci programmes in Chemistry and currently teaches 400 undergraduates. The Chemistry Department has over 50 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research. We specialize in the areas of organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, inorganic and materials chemistry, physical chemistry, and chemical physics. The department has an annual research income of around £15 million, derived from many sources including the Research Councils (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, and NERC), European Commission and a wide range of charities and industrial partners in the UK, E urope and the USA. Details about our research can be found on the departmental website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemistry.

About the role

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to work in the group of Dr Michael Booth, in the Department of Chemistry at University College London, to explore novel mechanisms of communication between synthetic cells and living cells. Synthetic cells are emerging as a technology that might allow complex communication with living systems and overcome the limitations of alternative approaches. However, there are currently very limited options for the types of signal molecules that can be used with synthetic cells. The aim of this project is to generate synthetic cells that can communicate with living cells using a wide range of signal molecules, controllably upon illumination. The postholder will generate synthetic cells and explore novel mechanism for communication with living cells. We are seeking candidates with a background in synthetic biology, ideally with experience in generating giant/small unilamellar vesicles, carrying out assays with living cells, and/or working with nucleic acids. Candidates should be able to work independently and have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. They will be expected to work with other group members, including offering supervision and support to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

This position is funded by the BBSRC for 11 months. A start date of March 2023 is preferable, however, this is negotiable.

About you

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in an area of Synthetic Biology or a related discipline. Experience with lipid vesicles, cellular assays, molecular biology and/or nucleic acids would be ideal. They will be required to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team and have effective written and verbal communication skills in English.

What we offer

Please note, appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £34,502 to £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. A Job Description and Person Specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Please include a cover letter and publication list along with a CV. To apply for the vacancy please click on the 'Apply Now' button below. Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Michael Booth (m.). Any queries on the application process can be directed .

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