Research Associate

About the role

This is a unique opportunity for an early career bioengineer wishing to develop their research with a multidisciplinary focus, working at the intersection of nanomedicine and cardiology. This post is funded by a British Heart Foundation Project Grant. The Emanueli team works collaboratively with Imperial College and external colleagues with the ultimate objective to mechanistically understanding and treat cardiometabolic and ischemic diseases in the heart and limbs. We currently have a strong interest in developing human and humanised research model and to develop personalise therapeutics to serve female and aging patients. The Emanueli has a tradition of reverse translational research (we often start our work with patients’ sample analyses) and we are internationally recognised for our work on non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles. We have already published our initial research in lipidic nanoparticles (LNP) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.03.015 and we have on going collaborations with bioengineers based at Imperial and externally.

What you would be doing

In this post, you will be responsible for contributing to the LNP design and you will lead on the testing of LNP in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. The in vitro testing will employ vascular endothelial cells, including primary cells derived from the patients’ heart (already available in the Emanueli team), and macrophages. 

The ex-vivo parts will employ animal and human heart slices model. We already have this model available, but the new PDRA will finalise a new microfluidic system, which has been already initiated. 

The in vivo work will be developed using a mouse myocardial infarction model (already ongoing in the lab). The relevant ethical approvals have been already secured 

You will be expected to make a major contribution in the scientific and technical excellence and successful performance of the team, including by writing reports and manuscripts and by presenting at internal and external workshop and conferences.

What we are looking for

You are expected to hold a PhD in bioengineering, nanomedicine, biomaterial or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. Knowledge, first-hand experience, and technical proficiency in lipidic nanoparticle and/or extracellular vesicles, microfluidics or organ on-chips, Practical experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques Expertise in preparation of research papers for publication in the most reputable bioengineering and nanomedicine journals. 

• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

The new role will play a key role in developing exosome-inspired lipidic nanoparticles (LNP) as therapeutic tools for vascular disease. The project will be developed collaboratively with the group of Professor Dan Peer (Tel Aviv University), the world leader in LNP technologies. Two staff of the Peer lab will dedicate part of their time to this collaboration. 

You will contribute to optimising the LNPs formulation and will lead on the in vitro and in vivo testing of the LNP. This is a unique opportunity for someone wishing to develop their career with a multidisciplinary perspective, working at the intersection of engineering and cardiology. You will be excellent and ambitious and will use the ample opportunities available at Imperial College to further progress toward a fellowship (through grant applications, with institutional support). 

What we can offer you

• Supporting you in developing your career into an independent researcher
• Working with a leading group lead by Prof. Emanueli who holds a BHF Chair
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year)

Further information

This is a full time and a fixed – term (12 months ) based in Hammersmith Campus

If you require any further details on the role, please contact: Prof. Costanza Emanueli – [email protected]

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

• download: Research Associate Job Description.pdf

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