Research Assistant/Associate in NanoBio Printing and Assembly (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in NanoBio Printing and Assembly in the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, to work on a multidisciplinary research programme developing protein-guided, droplet-based routes to architected functional materials, as part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations. The post holder will be located in West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK. 

The project, collaborating across seven research groups, delivers a new pathway and manufacturing process towards multi-functional architected materials across length scales, studying: 

(i) how to create rare-earth free magnetic materials at scale and in useful formats

(ii) how to create advanced, nanoporous electrodes for high capacity, long-life battery technologies

The appointee will take ownership of instrumented printing, droplet-generation, membrane-emulsification and controlled-flow systems. They will integrate protein-containing formulations, compare magnetic, electric, shear, flow and drying-assisted alignment, and test protein retention or removal to lock anisotropic order into stable materials. They will define process windows, interrogate data, maintain reproducible standard operating procedures, and support quality control and scale-up. 

The role involves close collaboration across protein, mineralisation, nanocrystal, chemistry, magnetics, AI and manufacturing teams. The role also includes supporting the project lead as a technical project lead, which includes aspects of project management, coordination, risk management and mentoring. 

Applicants must have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in chemical engineering, materials science or materials engineering, applied physics, fluid mechanics, colloid or interface science, or a closely related discipline, with additional expertise in biotechnology. 

Essential capabilities include strong experimental skills and transferable experience in one or more printing, droplet, microfluidic, or flow processes. Experience of field-assisted processing, high-speed or quantitative imaging, magnetic or colloidal materials, and protein production and handling are desirable. Expertise across every area is not expected.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant £33,002 - £35,608

Research Associate £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1 March 2028 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date. 

If you have any questions about this vacancy, or the application process, please contact: Prof. Ronan Daly (rd439@cam.ac.uk), or Holly Shaw (has50@cam.ac.uk). 

Please quote reference NM51291 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.