At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in gas precision fermentation and develop innovative food protein cell factories.
- Company: Join the prestigious Billerbeck Lab at Imperial College London, a leader in bioengineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and dedicated career support.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for extension and a vibrant, inclusive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable food production while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and practical research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47223 - 57472 £ per year.
The Billerbeck Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London has an open position for a Research Associate (postdoctoral level) in Gas Precision Fermentation. The role is funded by Horizon Europe through the AIR2FOOD project – Europe’s first integrated gas-based precision fermentation ecosystem, converting CO₂ into high-value food ingredients using engineered microorganisms.
What you will be doing:
- Conduct world-class research by developing food protein cell factories for gas precision fermentation using hydrogen-oxidising bacteria (Xanthobacter species).
- Engage in genetic engineering, strain development, bioprocess development, small-scale bioreactor design, scale-up, stakeholder engagement, ecosystem building, and product translation.
- Plan and execute research in a major work package of the grant, design methods, collect and analyse data, and collaborate closely with industry partners, food accelerators, and universities.
- Present findings at international conferences, publish in refereed journals, and contribute to project reports.
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students and support the smooth running of the laboratory.
What we are looking for:
- A PhD in (bio)engineering, engineering biology/synthetic biology, natural sciences, biological sciences or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
- Practical research experience, publications in relevant refereed journals, and experience liaising with collaborators and sponsors.
- Experience in a broad range of techniques including molecular biology (cloning, genome engineering), strain development, microbiological culturing, method development, and bioprocess development.
- Ability to develop and apply new concepts and a creative approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to organise own work autonomously, be proactive, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to lead a small research team and motivate others to achieve high-standard work.
What we can offer you:
- Invitation to continue your career at a world-leading institution, access to dedicated career support, salary in the range £47,223 – £57,472 per annum (or £43,863 – £47,223 if PhD not yet completed).
- 41 days off a year, generous pension schemes, and a diverse, inclusive, collaborative work culture.
Further information:
- Full-time (35 hours), fixed-term post for 36 months with the possibility of extension, expected to start 1 September 2026.
- For further details or to apply, contact Dr Sonja Billerbeck (s.billerbeck@imperial.ac.uk).
Research Associate at Imperial College London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of bioengineering. As a Research Associate in the Billerbeck Lab, you will have access to world-class resources, dedicated career support, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to groundbreaking research in gas precision fermentation. With generous benefits including 41 days of annual leave and a competitive salary, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding career path at a leading global institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate at Imperial College London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
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Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
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Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate at Imperial College London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Imperial College London that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Imperial College London.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Imperial College London does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Imperial College London. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Imperial College London's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Imperial College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
