Research Associate in Synthetic Biology and Cultivated Meat
Job Description
Faculty / Department
Faculty of Engineering
Salary
Competitive
Location / Campus
South Kensington Campus – Hybrid
Contract Type / Work Pattern
Annualised Hours – Full time Fixed term
Closing date
23-Oct-2024
About the role
The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Research Associate to join a project on the application of synthetic biology to cultivated meat production. This project presents a unique opportunity to contribute to global environmental sustainability by developing innovative methods for engineering of mammalian cells adopted to produce cultivated meat, thus directly advancing our impact in sustainable agriculture.
Synthetic biology has made it possible to repurpose cells to operate as microscale factories, energy sources, and even computers. We are at the stage where novel solutions and wider approaches are needed to enable impact in real life applications. Engineering of alternative meat products currently suffers from high cost of cell culturing. Genetic engineering of target cell lines is desired to enable improvement of cell growth and expansion, nutritional qualities and texture. In this project, we will develop novel synthetic biology tools and technologies to advance the genetic engineering of cell lines adopted for cultivated meat production. The project will enable more robust and controlled engineering of such cells, for implementation of desired traits that support sustainable production of alternative foods.
What you would be doing
The successful applicant will be expected to design and conduct experiments to engineering mammalian cell lines, design and develop genetic constructs via cutting edge molecular cloning protocols, perform transfections and cell characterisation.
Effective project management will be crucial, as the candidate will oversee timelines, resources, and deliverables, ensuring that project milestones are met. Additionally, the applicant will prepare research reports, contribute to scientific publications and to the day-to-day activities of the lab. They will supervise students and engage with the community within the Bezos Centre for Sustainable proteins, the Centre for Synthetic Biology and the Department of Chemical engineering. Collaboration with other team members and stakeholders will be essential to integrate findings and advance the project toward practical, market-ready solutions
What we are looking for
A PhD in Biology, Synthetic biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines
Practical experience in mammalian cell engineering methodologies
Ability to think critically and independently and to lead your own work programme
Ability to direct the work of supervised students
What we can offer you
The post is available for 24 months. Starting salary is determined on experience.
Further information
Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Francesca Ceroni ([email protected])
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
Download: Job Description Research Associate ENG03282.Pdf
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help.
About Imperial
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