PDRF for Advanced Photochemistry and Biochemical Synthesis

About us

At the Programmable Biomaterials Lab (PBL), our goal is to solve some of the major challenges facing large-scale bioproduction via innovative 3D light-assisted programming of biological matter. We envision a future where objects are produced, mechanisms triggered and materials handled purely by photons. Nature achieves much if not all of its evolution through the interactions of light and matter. Operations as complex as food production, life and evolution itself. We're here to perfect our engineering and scientific prowess in harnessing this massive potential.

Further information about PBL can be found https://iomats.com/

Established in 2014 as part of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MAPS) Faculty, the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery (IMD) acts as a focal point of materials research at UCL across all departments. The IMD strives to be at the forefront of advanced materials research and teaching. We run state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities and offer vibrant MSc programs aross UCL’s Bloomsbury and UCL East campuses. We are pioneering novel data-driven approaches for materials discovery, understanding fundamental materials behaviour, developing innovative sustainable materials for new innovative applications and boosting enterprise (i.e., industry) oriented materials research.

About the role

We are seeking a talented postdoctoral researcher to work on the exciting UKRI project "SPARK 3D” at UCL. You will design and explore synthesis, caging and release of various caged compounds and growth factor molecules which will instruct the spatiotemporal evolution of cellular systems in 3D microenvironments. Your caged compounds alongside functionalised photoactive biomaterials matrices (codeveloped with you) will be used towards building an in vitro model of the physiological tissue. The tissue sites of interest are micro- and macro-vasculature and neuro-vasculature for the purposes of understanding the growth patterns of these complex structures under external stimulation with released chemical and biological growth factors. You will work with leading experts in both academic and industrial sectors.

This is a full-time appointment for a period of two years continuously, available immediately. Requirements and person specifications of the role as well as your responsibilities and benefits are included in the following. Ample networking and collaboration opportunities within UCL including Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Physics and Engineering departments as well as with the emerging UCL East campus in London and with leading international researchers and industry are offered.

About you

We seek a motivated Postdoctoral fellow interested in combining biochemical, photochemistry and optobiology skills. You will contribute to the development and utilization of biomodulation and biostimulation systems which will be used to trigger and control the growth and organization of bioprinted tissue constructs in vitro.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Bioengineering/Biology/Materials Science or Engineering, or relevant related discipline.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Hossein Heidari

Customer advert reference: B04-06194

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