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- Tasks: Lead the design and testing of advanced antimicrobial materials for infection control.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university driving impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 41 days off, generous pension, and dedicated career support.
- Other info: Be part of an international research network with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infection-fighting technologies in a vibrant, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in relevant fields with experience in biomaterials and nanomaterials.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 49000 £ per year.
Job number
NAT02040
Faculties
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Departments
Department of Life Sciences
Salary or Salary range
£49,017 – £57,472 per annum
Location/campus
South Kensington Campus – On site only
Contract type work pattern
Full time – Fixed term
Posting End Date
19 Oct 2025
About the role
Are you ready to shape the future of infection-fighting technologies?
As a Research Associate in Antimicrobial Materials and Biomimetic Interfaces, you will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary team developing next-generation nanomaterials and synthetic biology platforms to tackle antimicrobial resistance. You will contribute to pioneering research at the interface of materials science, biology, and medicine, advancing innovative solutions for wound healing and infection control.
What you would be doing
In this role, you will take the lead on the design, development, and testing of advanced antimicrobial materials within biomimetic model systems. You will work closely with collaborators across disciplines, gaining experience in cutting-edge methods at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Your work will contribute directly to creating innovative solutions for infection control and wound healing, while developing your own expertise in synthetic biology and soft materials.
This position is part of the NanoHeal project, a large international network bringing together leading research groups across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. As a key member of this collaborative consortium, you will benefit from close interaction with world-class partners, joint training opportunities, and an exceptional environment to advance both your research and career development.
What we are looking for
- A PhD (or close to completion) in chemistry, materials science, biophysics, bottom-up synthetic biology, or a related field
- Experience with biomaterials, nanomaterials, or biointerfaces, and an interest in applying these to biomedical challenges
- Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including for example: soft matter, biophysics, microscopy, analytical techniques
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take the lead on research activities
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset to work effectively within an international, multidisciplinary team
- Motivation to contribute to an ambitious project tackling antimicrobial resistance while developing your own research profile.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to take a leading role in the Imperial College contribution to the NanoHeal project, embedded in a vibrant international research network
- A supportive, interdisciplinary environment within the Contini Lab, working at the forefront of synthetic biology, biomimetic interfaces, and antimicrobial materials
- Close collaboration with world-class partners across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with opportunities for joint training and knowledge exchange
- 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
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and fixed term for 12 months.
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 –
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
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 We\’re here to help.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.
Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world\’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.
As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you\’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.
This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you\’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.
Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Research Associate in Antimicrobial Materials and Biomimetic Interfaces employer: Imperial College London
Contact Detail:
Imperial College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Antimicrobial Materials and Biomimetic Interfaces
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of antimicrobial materials and synthetic biology. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of biomaterials and nanomaterials. Be ready to discuss your research experience and how it aligns with the goals of the NanoHeal project. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about tackling antimicrobial resistance!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves collaboration across disciplines, being able to explain complex concepts clearly is key. Try explaining your research to friends or family who aren’t in the field to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and resources to help you land that dream job with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Antimicrobial Materials and Biomimetic Interfaces
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in antimicrobial materials and biomimetic interfaces. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for tackling antimicrobial resistance shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about contributing to innovative solutions, so share your motivation and any related projects you've worked on.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website to avoid disappointment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the specifics of antimicrobial materials and biomimetic interfaces. Familiarise yourself with recent advancements in the field, especially those related to the NanoHeal project. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your practical experience with techniques like soft matter, biophysics, and microscopy. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects. Highlighting your problem-solving abilities will demonstrate that you're capable of leading research activities independently.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, be sure to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Discuss how you communicate effectively and adapt to different working styles, as this will resonate well with the collaborative culture they value.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects, future directions, and how your role would contribute to their goals. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but are also keen on being an active participant in their mission to tackle antimicrobial resistance.