Academic ConnectResearch Assistant in Biocrystallisation
Job number: ENG03368
Faculties: Faculty of Engineering
Departments: Department of Chemical Engineering
Salary or Salary range: N/A
Location/campus: South Kensington Campus - Hybrid
Contract type/work pattern: Full time - Fixed term
Posting End Date: 6 Apr 2025
About the role
The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Research Assistant to work on (1) the effect of impurities on the crystallisation of proteins and (2) control of peptides nucleation and crystallisation. The post is funded by the UKRI and associated with a Marie Sklodowska Curie Action Doctoral Network on Crystallisation Towards Efficient and Sustainable Biomanufacturing (ProCrystal).
As part of this post, you will enrol on a PhD programme under the supervision of Professor Jerry Heng and be part of a collaborative research programme conducted by 15 PhD students and 11 academic institutions and multiple industrial partners across Europe.
What you would be doing
Downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals is dominated by chromatographic steps, which suffer from low throughput, poor scalability, and elevated energy consumption, as well as high equipment and materials costs. To this is added the low stability and high degradability of liquid formulations. ProCrystal’s goal is to develop crystallisation as a simple, sustainable, cost-efficient, and scalable alternative to current DSP techniques and liquid formulations, once it allows to separate, purify and stabilise in a single step. ProCrystal’s programme will span both fundamental understanding of the underlying phenomena, from the molecular scale to process scale, and advanced experimental and modelling techniques specific to crystallisation technology.
You will develop crystallisation as a simple, sustainable, cost-efficient, and scalable alternative to current DSP techniques and liquid formulations, once it allows to separate, purify, and stabilise in a single step. You will produce independent and original research, specifically in the investigation of multi-component powder and crystalline solid properties.
You will work in an interdisciplinary research group and interact both with academic and industry partners. You will have the opportunity to disseminate the work in conferences and journal publications.
What we are looking for
The following essential knowledge, skills & experience are sought:
Hold an MRes, MSc, MEng or equivalent in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience (Supported researchers must be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment).
Practical experience in some of the following: crystallisation, solubility measurements, microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, electron microscopy, spectroscopy techniques, and particle synthesis.
Practical experience in relevant research areas (peptide/protein crystallisation, nucleation and crystallisation, crystal characterisation, materials characterisation, etc.).
Experience of working in a multidisciplinary and diverse team.
Recruited researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
What we can offer you
The opportunity to join an internationally leading surfaces and particle engineering group.
The opportunity to develop your skills in particle synthesis, crystallisation and powder characterisation.
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 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
The contract will run for 36 months, with the option for either full-time or part-time employment. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus). The expected start date is around April 2025, although there is some flexibility on this. The candidate is also expected to go on a short placement to our project collaborators elsewhere in Europe.
Recruited researchers can be of any nationality and must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Researchers must not have spent more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment in the same appointing organisation.
The successful candidate will be expected to register for a PhD at Imperial College and meet the requirements for a PhD. PhD Requirements at Imperial
Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Jerry Heng at jerry.heng@imperial.ac.uk
To apply, please click the “Apply now” button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG03368. Candidates will need to complete an online application.
Further information about the post is available in the job description.
Should you have any queries about the application process, please contact chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 6 April 2025
For technical issues when applying online please email support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk
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.
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.
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf
ENG03368 - Research Assistant in Biocrystallisation Job Description.pdf
