At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead biological research on brain organoids and integrate them with microelectronics.
- Company: Join a world-leading institution at the forefront of biology and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career support, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research at the intersection of biology and engineering.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and hands-on experience with stem cell culture.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Are you a talented cell and developmental biologist ready to work at the interface of biology and microelectronics? As a Research Associate in Brain Organoids and Organ-on-Chip Platforms, you will lead the biological arm of a new programme combining semiconductor-based lab-on-chip technology with human brain organoids.
You will bring the biological expertise that our engineering team needs, and in return gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge chip technology, co-author high-impact interdisciplinary papers, and help shape the direction of a growing research area. Within two years, you will deliver validated brain-organoid protocols and device-compatible culture methods for our semiconductor platforms.
The group of Prof. Pantelis Georgiou develops lab-on-chip systems based on semiconductor technology. We design, fabricate and test integrated sensing and microfluidic platforms built on CMOS technology, taking ideas from concept through to working devices for biological applications, clinical validation and translation. We are now extending this work to complex three-dimensional human brain organoid models, in collaboration with colleagues in Medicine. Imperial offers an outstanding environment for this work, with access to world-class cleanroom, imaging and bioengineering facilities and a strong community in engineering, neuroscience and stem cell biology.
What you would be doing:
- Establishing and characterising robust brain organoid culture in our laboratory and working alongside engineers and device physicists to integrate organoids onto chip platforms, creating organ-on-chip systems that enable sensing, stimulation and monitoring of organoids.
- Generating and maintaining brain organoids (for example cortical or region-specific organoids) from human pluripotent stem cells, with reproducible quality control.
- Characterising organoids using immunostaining, imaging, gene expression and functional assays.
- Working with engineers to design biocompatible chip interfaces, culture conditions and protocols for long-term organoid culture on devices.
- Testing and validating device performance with living tissue, and feeding results back to the design cycle.
- Analysing and interpreting data, and writing papers, reports and conference presentations.
- Helping train and supervise PhD and MSc students in cell culture and biological methods.
- Contributing to grant applications and collaborations.
What we are looking for:
- You will hold (or be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant discipline such as stem cell biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, tissue engineering or a related field.
- You will have demonstrable hands-on experience of culturing human pluripotent stem cells and generating 3D neural models, and you will be keen to work in a multidisciplinary team with engineers.
- You do not need a background in electronics or microfabrication; we will teach you what you need, however prior experience with commercial MEA platforms may be useful.
- You will be an excellent communicator, with the ability to manage work to deadlines.
What we can offer you:
- An exciting opportunity to develop a new programme at the interface of biology and microelectronics, working with a welcoming multidisciplinary team, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
- As a member of Imperial research staff, 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 with access to Imperial’s dedicated career support for researchers, plus opportunities for promotion and progression.
- Develop your skills and explore your career prospects with 10 development days per year.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.
Please include in your application a CV with publication list and cover letter (maximum two pages) describing your experience with organoids and your interest in working with engineering platforms.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Prof Pantelis Georgiou (pantelis@imperial.ac.uk).
Research Associate in Brain Organoids and Organ-on-Chip Platforms employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Brain Organoids and Organ-on-Chip Platforms
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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✨Show Off Your Projects
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 in Brain Organoids and Organ-on-Chip Platforms
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!
