Research Associate in Synthetic Cell Design and Construction

About the role

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London is seeking a Research Associate to join an international collaborative project focused on developing synthetic cells with energy-harnessing capabilities. The successful candidate will work within the Elani Bioinspired Engineering Group under the supervision of Dr. Yuval Elani.

The project aim is to engineer artificial cells that can capture energy from their surroundings, convert it between different forms, and release it in a controlled and programmable manner. This work will involve both genetic-level engineering—using molecular biology and cell-free protein expression systems—and membrane-level design, including the integration of functional biomembranes and membrane proteins. We are looking for candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: biomembrane engineering, microfluidics, membrane protein design and reconstitution, molecular biology, and/or cell-free protein expression.

This project is part of a unique trans-continental collaboration between Imperial College (UK) and Institute of Science Tokyo (Japan). You will form part of a multi-disciplinary team and there will be extensive opportunities for visits and placements in Japan.

What you would be doing

• Take initiatives in the planning of your research, as well as help to direct the work of small research teams within the Elani group, including undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Identify and develop new soft matter, chemical biology and/or synthetic biology technologies to build synthetic cells
• Help manage the day-to-day operations of the Elani group
• Work with collaborators at Imperial to complete project objectives
• Prepare publications for submission to refereed journals
• Attend relevant workshops/conferences as well as research visits to our project collaborators in the UK and abroad

What we are looking for

You must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. Multi-disciplinary expertise in one or more of the following areas is essential: chemical biology, synthetic biology, instrumentation, soft matter, and/or biophysics. 

What we can offer you

This post offers an excellent opportunity for academic career advancement in Europe’s number one hub for chemical biology and synthetic biology. Imperial College’s synthetic biology facilities are second-to-none and include the fabriCELL centre for artificial cell research and the Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology.

The post also offers:

• 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 39 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.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 – £47,223 per annum.

Further information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

The post is available from April 2026 for up to 16 months and will be based in the Imperial South Kensington Campus.

Should you require any further details about the role please contact: Dr Yuval Elani (y.elani@imperial.ac.uk)

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

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 15th February 2026.

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