At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in liposome engineering for mitochondrial delivery systems.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university driving scientific impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 41 days off, and career development support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and diverse teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biotechnology and make a real difference in healthcare.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in relevant fields; hands-on research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 43863 - 47223 £ per year.
Be part of an exciting new effort to engineer liposome-based delivery systems for bacteriophages targeting mitochondria. This role will see you lead the liposome engineering aspects of a highly ambitious project, combining encapsulation strategies, microfluidic platform development and biological assay design within a collaborative programme spanning Imperial and an early-stage biotech partner.
What you would be doing
You will take the lead on an ambitious ARIA-funded project to engineer new ways of reprogramming mitochondria using bacteriophages, which will be delivered to cells using liposomes. This position is about building entirely new experimental capabilities, combining drug delivery, synthetic biology, microfluidics and biomembrane engineering to unlock intracellular delivery challenges. Your work will focus on the liposome engineering aspects of the project, while collaborating closely with researchers specialising in bacteriophage engineering, synthetic biology and mitochondrial biology.
Your core focus will include:
- Designing delivery systems. You will develop methods to encapsulate bacteriophages within liposomes. You will also engineer these systems to enable efficient uptake and functional delivery into mitochondria. This will involve designing liposome formulations for stability, encapsulation efficiency and cellular uptake.
- Pioneering microfluidic approaches. You will leverage state-of-the-art high-throughput screening platforms in the Elani Lab and design and optimise devices for controlled encapsulation of complex biological cargo.
- Developing and deploying biological assays. You will establish assays to quantify delivery efficiency and intracellular behaviour, to investigate interactions between bacteriophages and mitochondria and to evaluate functional outcomes in cell culture systems.
You will be part of a highly collaborative and dynamic environment. You will:
- Work within a world-leading lab in bioinspired engineering.
- Collaborate closely with Symbiosis Lab, a startup partner driving bacteriophage engineering.
- Contribute to a fast-paced, mission-driven ARIA programme at the cutting edge of precision mitochondrial engineering.
- Operate at the interface of academia and early-stage biotech, gaining translational experience.
You will also be embedded in the Imperial Engineering Biology Centre, one of Europe’s most concentrated hubs of synthetic biology expertise, with full access to state-of-the-art facilities.
What we are looking for
We are seeking highly motivated, collaborative and forward-thinking researchers. We are particularly interested in candidates who are excited by hands-on discovery, enjoy working across disciplines and want to help build new technologies with real scientific and translational impact.
The ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
- A PhD, or be close to PhD submission, in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research or industrial experience.
- A track record of thriving in vibrant, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research environments.
- Experience working with liposomes, lipid nanoparticles or related self-assembled nanoscale systems.
- Practical expertise in a range of relevant methods, such as cell biology, membrane biophysics, microfluidics, fluorescence-based techniques, biochemical assays, microscopy and analytical characterisation.
- Experience with automation, high-throughput screening or platform-based experimental workflows would be a strong advantage.
- Experience working with cell culture and relevant biochemical or functional assays for investigating and assessing drug delivery would be an advantage.
- A genuine enthusiasm for team science, working closely with others and contributing to a high-energy, high-impact research programme.
Above all, we are looking for builders and doers. This is a highly practical, hands-on project that will suit someone who enjoys getting stuck in, trying new things, solving problems creatively, and finding ways to make things work even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
What we can offer you
A chance to help shape a new technological frontier, with dedicated mentorship and career development support from leading academics. The opportunity to work across academia and a startup setting, developing experience at the interface of discovery science, innovation, and translation. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects. 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). This role is for a fixed-term contract for 24 months, with the possibility of an extension. Further information about the post is available in the job description. Closing date: Midnight on 24th August 2026.
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 support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. 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. 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 Liposome Technologies employer: SONICOM
At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Liposome Technologies
✨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!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like SONICOM. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨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!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
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 SONICOM!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Liposome Technologies
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 SONICOM 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 SONICOM.
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 SONICOM 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 SONICOM
✨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 SONICOM. 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 SONICOM'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 SONICOM. This shows your passion for the industry!
