Research Assistant/Associate

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Associate position within the Guder Research Group in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London.

We are looking for a new member to join our team with a background in lateral flow assay, electroanalytical chemistry and point-of-need diagnostics (or similar). You will be part of a new and exciting project funded by the Gates Foundation. This project aims to develop a high-performance disposable analytical tool for the on-site detection of folic acid in several food matrices. This technology is based on our recently developed wireless and batteryless, near-field communication (NFC)-based electrochemical lateral flow assay (eLFA) digital platform. The delivery of this technology will increase large-scale testing of folic acid levels in fortified food at speed to ensure efficacy and compliance of food fortification programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The successful applicant will work on the development of the NFC-enabled eLFA platform for folic acid detection and its validation in the laboratory and field against gold standard methods such as ELISA. The post will be supported by a second Research Associate who will focus on the integration of Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology in the system, software development, and on developing rapid methods for in-field preparation of food samples.

Duties and responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will involve day-to-day running of the project, including fabrication of electrochemical lateral flow assay platforms for folic acid, characterisation of the diagnostics prototype and validation of the technology using laboratory standard methods (e.g., ELISA). You will assist in the integration of NFC technology in the sensing platform, the development of a protocol for food sample preparation and field testing. You will also be responsible for presenting findings to colleagues at internal and external meetings and conferences, collaborating with the partners and providing research updates, and assisting in the preparation of manuscripts for publication. Furthermore, you will need to assist in writing reports for the funder and, when needed, help write new project proposals for funding.

Essential requirements

• A PhD or equivalent in biotechnology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemistry or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Experience with lateral flow assay and/or immunosensors
• Experience in electroanalytical techniques
• Industry experience in product development and/or in vitro diagnostics is highly desirable
• Experience with antibody/aptamer modification and ELISA technique is desirable
• Experience with food samples is desirable

Further Information

This position is full-time and fixed-term for 12 months (with the possibility of a 6-month extension). The anticipated start date is as soon as possible, but no later than February 1st, 2026.  

*Please note, if you are yet to receive your PhD you will be appointed as Research Assistant on salary scale £43,863 - £47,223.

Closing date: Sunday 04 January 2026

For informal enquiries about the post, please contact Dr. Firat Guder at guder@ic.ac.uk

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Bhavna Patel at b.patel@imperial.ac.uk

Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment. We are an Athena SWAN Silver award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and work in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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