Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Bioengineering

Location: Hammersmith Campus; ICTEM Building

About the role:

This is a unique opportunity for an early career bioengineer wishing to develop their research with a multidisciplinary focus, working at the intersection of nanomedicine and cardiology.   This post is funded by a British Heart Foundation Project Grant. The Emanueli team works collaboratively with Imperial College and external colleagues with the ultimate objective to mechanistically understanding and treat cardiometabolic and ischemic diseases in the heart and limbs.  We currently have a strong interest in developing human and humanised research model and to develop personalise therapeutics to serve female and aging patients. The Emanueli has a tradition of reverse translational research (we often start our work with patients’ sample analyses) and we are internationally recognised for our work on non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles. We have already published our initial research in lipidic nanoparticles (LNP) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.03.015 and we have on going collaborations with bioengineers based at Imperial and externally.

What we are looking for:

• PhD in bioengineering, nanomedicine, biomaterial or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• Knowledge, first-hand experience, and technical proficiency in lipidic nanoparticle and/or extracellular vesicles, microfluidics or organ on-chips, Practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques
• Expertise in preparation of research papers for publication in the most reputable bioengineering and nanomedicine journals.  
• You will contribute to optimising the LNPs formulation and will lead on the in vitro and in vivo testing of the LNP. This is a unique opportunity for someone wishing to develop their career with a multidisciplinary perspective, working at the intersection of engineering and cardiology.   

What you would be doing:

In this post, you will be responsible for contributing to the LNP design and you will lead on the testing of LNP in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The in vitro testing will employ vascular endothelial cells, including primary cells derived from the patients’ heart (already available in the Emanueli team), and macrophages.   

The ex-vivo parts will employ animal and human heart slices model. We already have this model available, but the new PDRA will finalise a new microfluidic system, which has been already initiated.  

The in vivo work will be developed using a mouse myocardial infarction model (already ongoing in the lab).  The relevant ethical approvals have been already secured  

You will be expected to make a major contribution in the scientific and technical excellence and successful performance of the team, including by writing reports and manuscripts and by presenting at internal and external workshop and conferences. 

What we can offer you:

• Supporting you in developing your career into an independent researcher
• Working with a leading group lead by Prof. Emanueli who holds a BHF Chair
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year)

Further Information

The post is full time, fixed term with funding available until 31 January 2026 with possibility of an extension.

The post is available immediately and will be based at Hammersmith Campus.  Although some hybrid working may be considered, this post is lab based and you are be expected to be available in person.   

If you require any further details on the role, please contact:

Prof. Costanza Emanueli – c.emanueli@imperial.ac.uk

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