Research Associate for the Development of Lipid-Based Synthetic Cells Capable of Delivering Genetic Cargo into Mitochondria in Living Cells

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the group of Professor Oscar Ces at Imperial College London as part of the PIONEER (Programmable In-Organelle Nucleic-acid Entry, Expression and Retention) consortium. PIONEER is an ambitious UK research programme bringing together researchers from Imperial College London, the University of Bristol, and the University of Glasgow, funded through the UK’s Advanced Research and Innovation Agency’s (ARIA) Precision Mitochondria programme.

Our goal is to develop transformative technologies for engineering mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), overcoming one of the major challenges in modern genome engineering. To achieve this, we are developing programmable lipid-based synthetic cells that are capable of transporting genetic cargo into mitochondria within living cells. As part of this project we will also be developing high-throughput automated bio-screens incorporating optical trapping that will aid the development of these synthetic cells.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the interface of synthetic biology, biomembrane engineering, microfluidics, soft matter biophysics, optical trapping and drug delivery within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

Please note, this job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

What you would be doing

• You will lead the design, production, and characterisation of synthetic cells to deliver mtDNA inside living cells.
• Your responsibilities will include:
• Designing and generating libraries of synthetic cells using microfluidic technologies.
• Developing in-vitro screening platforms incorporating optical tweezers to quantify and optimise cargo delivery to mitochondria.
• Investigating the interaction of synthetic cell delivery vehicles with biological membrane barriers en-route to mitochondria and mitochondrial targets themselves.
• Applying automated and closed-loop optimisation approaches to improve delivery performance.
• Analysing and interpreting experimental data and communicating findings within the consortium.
• Preparing technical reports and project updates for ARIA.
• Presenting research findings at internal meetings, scientific conferences and ARIA workshops.
• Working closely with collaborators across Imperial College London, the University of Bristol and the University of Glasgow.

What we are looking for

Essential criteria for the role include:

• A PhD qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Physics or a closely related field, or an equivalent level of experience.
• Strong research track record relative to experience, in academia and/or industry.
• Experience designing, executing and troubleshooting complex experimental research programmes.
• Ability to develop instrumentation and devices from first-principles.
• Ability to work in a milestone-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable experience for this role includes one or more of the following: Microfluidics, Optical Tweezers, Biomembrane Engineering, Synthetic Cell Development, Droplet Interface Bilayers, Soft Matter Biophysics, Lipid Nanoparticles, Drug Delivery Systems, Automation, Robotics and Closed-loop Optimisation and working with external collaborators. We welcome applications from candidates who do not meet every desirable criterion but have relevant expertise and a strong interest in developing new skills.

What we can offer you

Working within the Ces group (Membrane Biophysics Platform) in our state-of-the-art labs in the 200M Molecular Sciences Research Hub at the 1BN Imperial College White City Campus in West London. You will join a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment comprising more than 60 researchers working across synthetic cells, biomolecular engineering, microfluidics, membrane biophysics and biotechnology.

As part of the PIONEER consortium, you will work closely with leading researchers in nanomaterials and drug delivery, automation, AI and machine learning for chemistry, synthetic cell engineering, single-molecule biophysics, advanced spectroscopy, genome engineering, and single-cell genetics.

The project is funded through ARIA's Precision Mitochondria programme, providing the opportunity to pursue high-risk, high-reward research aimed at developing transformative technologies for mitochondrial genome engineering.

As well as this, you will have:

• 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

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.

This is a full-time, fixed-term role for 24 months in the first instance, with possibility of extension. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant. The expected start date for this position is 01 September 2026.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Professor Oscar Ces: o.ces@imperial.ac.uk