Research Assistant/Research Associate

About the role:

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 bio-instrumentation, electronics and biosensor (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 lead the electronic and digital engineering of the eLFA, working in tandem with a biochemical-focused researcher to integrate the chemical assay with the digital platform. The candidate will design and fabricate the device electronics and develop the software ecosystem, including a mobile app to control the eLFA and a cloud-based AI analytics platform. This role will also get hands-on with validation, conducting wet lab experiments with real food samples to refine analyte detection.

What you would be doing:

Your key responsibilities will involve day-to-day running of the project, including the design of bio-instrumentation hardware, fabrication of the eLFA, and development of the software ecosystem for mobile control and cloud-based AI analytics. You will collaborate with a biochemical-focused researcher to achieve the seamless integration of chemical assays with the digital platform, ensuring accurate signal transduction between the biological and electronic domains. You will assist in the electrochemical development and validation of analyte detection by conducting wet lab experiments using real food samples to verify system performance. 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.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD or equivalent in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, electrical engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Experience in bio-instrumentation design, specifically in integrating biological or chemical assays with electronic sensors
• Experience with NFC technology
• Experience developing mobile applications for hardware control and data visualization.
• Experience in working in wet-lab environment and/or dealing with food samples
• Industry experience in product development and/or in vitro diagnostics is highly desirable
• Experience in low-cost materials, deposition and manufacturing techniques is desirable

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

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, you will be appointed as research assistant (£43,863-£47,223) if you are yet to receive your PhD.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr. Firat Guder at guder@ic.ac.uk

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