Research Associate in Motile Vesicle Engineering for Mitochondrial Matrix Delivery

About the role:

Please note interviews will be held on a rolling basis while the advert is live. It is therefore strongly recommended that you submit your application as early as possible. The advert will be closed once a suitable candidate is selected.

As a Research Associate in Motile Vesicle Engineering for Mitochondrial Matrix Delivery, you will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team developing next-generation synthetic biology platforms to overcome one of the central bottlenecks in mitochondrial genome engineering: getting genetic cargo across the double membrane and into the matrix. You will contribute to pioneering research at the interface of synthetic biology, soft matter biophysics and membrane engineering, leading the development of autonomous, motile synthetic vesicles within an ambitious UK consortium spanning Imperial College London, the University of Birmingham and partner Institutions, funded through the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency's (ARIA) Precision Mitochondria programme.

What you would be doing:

You will take the lead on the design, development, and testing of motile synthetic vesicles capable of delivering genetic cargo into the mitochondrial matrix. You will work closely with collaborators across disciplines, gaining experience in cutting-edge methods at the interface of synthetic biology, soft matter biophysics and membrane engineering.

This position is part of an ARIA-funded Precision Mitochondria programme. As a key member of this collaborative consortium, you will benefit from close interaction with world-class partners working on complementary delivery, editing and transfer technologies, milestone reviews and consortium meetings, and an exceptional environment to advance both your research and career development.

Specifically, you will:

• Design and fabricate motile synthetic vesicles with controlled morphology, topology and membrane composition, optimised for structural stability, autonomous motility and mitochondrial compatibility.
• Implement and quantify biocompatible propulsion mechanisms that drive sustained, directional vesicle motion.
• Develop biological assays using cell-mimetic membrane systems (GUVs with cell-mimic composition), isolated mitochondria and cell cultures, to evaluate membrane engagement, penetration and matrix delivery.
• Combine motility with mitochondrial-targeting ligands to develop a dual strategy of active intracellular exploration followed by selective anchoring.
• Work closely with consortium partners to hybridise vesicle systems with complementary delivery components and contribute to a shared benchmarking and validation framework across the programme.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a highly motivated, collaborative and forward-thinking researcher. This is a highly practical, hands-on project that will suit someone who enjoys experimental work, is a hands-on problem-solver and finds creative ways to move the project forward.

• A PhD in soft matter/polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent research or industrial experience.
• A track record of thriving in vibrant, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research environments, in academia and/or industry.
• Experience designing, executing and troubleshooting complex experimental research programmes.
• Experience with, or strong interest in, active/motile matter, self-assembly, or stimuli-responsive soft materials.

Further Information

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

This role is for a fixed-term contract for 18 months, with the possibility of extension.

You will be based in the Department of Life Sciences at the South Kensington Campus with visits to White City Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Claudia Contini – c.contini@imperial.ac.uk

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