Research Associate in Scalable Patterning of Nanocellulose Antimicrobial Film Coatings

Location: South Kensington Campus, London 

Job Summary 

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to develop of scalable patterning approaches for nanocellulose antimicrobial coatings. The post is part of the Triple-A-Coat consortium (www.triple-a-coat.org), an international consortium of academia and industry, seeking to develop next generation sustainable antimicrobial/viral/fungal coatings based on nanocellulose for “high-traffic” environments.

Employing soft matter patterning approaches, we seek to understand the underlying physical-chemistry and biology that governs antimicrobial action of model surfaces, and develop novel approaches to augment the intrinsic action of nanocellulose (nanocrystalline, bacterial and fibrillar). In collaboration with chemists, engineers and industrialists, we seek to develop sustainable coatings and carry out a pilot to demonstrate their use in high traffic environments (such as public transport, hospitals, schools). The project is funded by UKRI (10042469) and EU (HORIZON-CL4-2021-RESILIENCE-01-20). 

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with another postdoctoral researcher who will develop micro and nanopatterning of nanocellulose, and our wider consortium team, concentrating primarily on the scale up and development of large area coating methods for nanocellulose films, surface characterisation and testing, as well as modelling and interpretation of results This is an excellent opportunity to work on a challenging research project at a leading academic institution, within an international network, and develop multidisciplinary research, leadership and translation skills. You will participate in consortium meetings, submit publications to refereed journals and present findings to the larger consortium and at international conferences.

Duties and responsibilities 

You will develop scalable methods for large area patterning of nanocellulose films, building upon established approaches (spray, flow coating, imprinting, etc) or novel processes. You will correlate rheo-mechanical, solution and anti-microbial properties, to engineer durable surface coatings for a variety of model substrates, and characterise the topography and morphology of the surfaces with appropriate physical, chemical and mechanical approaches (including AFM, profilometry, spectroscopy, confocal, indentation, weathering etc) and develop novel methods as required. You will work closely with project partners in the evaluation of antimicrobial action, and carry out, and regularly update, literature and patent surveys on nanocellulose and other antimicrobial coatings. You will develop analytical and numerical models to describe and predict the properties of the surface coatings based on formulation and processing conditions, and collect experimental data on representative chemical systems for validation of the models. Working with other members of the consortium, you will optimise the overall coating system, to achieve durable antimicrobial coatings suitable for high traffic locations, and contribute to the translation of the project outcomes.

Essential requirements

The following essential knowledge, skills & experience are sought:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical, Materials Engineering, or related subject or related field or equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience.
• A demonstrated track record of original research of patterning of soft materials, including scale-up of functional nanoscale coatings
• Experience in a broad range of physical-chemistry surface and bulk characterisation techniques (rheo-mechanics, liquid formulation and stability, wear and fatigue, topography, microbial activity)
• Experience with spray coating, flow coating, imprinting and other coating and patterning processes.
• Practical experience with nanocellulose or related systems
• A track record of refereed journal publications and/or patents
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Further Information

The contract will run for 24 months in the first instance, with the possibility of an extension thereafter subject to research funding. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus).

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Professor João Cabral  (j.cabral@imperial.ac.uk)

To apply, please visit https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/. You can find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG02557. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: Midnight on 24^th April 2023

For technical issues when applying online please email support,jobs@imperial.ac.uk.

The College is currently trialling a Work Location Framework until early 2023. Hybrid working may be considered for this role and the role holder may be expected to work 60% or more of their time onsite, with 40% the minimum time spent onsite. The opportunity for hybrid working will be discussed at interview.

The College is a proud signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published. For more information, see https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/.

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