location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

We are delighted to announce the £14.2m joining opportunity Engineering genetic control systems for the Advanced Therapeutics Mission CenterLed by the University of Edinburgh. As part of this award, we are looking for a candidate to help us build and test new ways to engineer robotic aerial vehicles for therapeutic applications.

Therefore, we are calling for applications for a Research Associate to join the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. You will work closely with members of Professor Geoff Baldwin’s group (https://www.Imperial.ac.uk/people/g.baldwin). You will be based in the Sir Alexander Fleming (SAF) Building, South Kensington Campus.

Specifically, we are looking for someone with experience in mammalian AAV expression and AAV delivery using… In the laboratory Cell assays. Additionally, experience using Pichia expression systems would be welcome but not essential.

what would you do:

In this role you will be expected to conduct experiments at a high level.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Expression of AAV in mammalian cell systems
• Development of assays to evaluate AAV particle assembly and packaging
• Screening for AAV variants
• Developing high-throughput methods for functional protein screening
• Protein biochemistry including mutagenesis, protein purification and protein screening
• Implement molecular biology techniques including design and cloning of constructs, mutations, PCR and DNA sequencing
• Present data for interpretation by others.
• Ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
• Present results to colleagues, consortium partner meetings and at conferences
• Writing results for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Take responsibility for organizing resources and making effective decisions to support research
• Direct the work of small research teams including undergraduate and graduate students

What we are looking for:

• Doctoral degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences or related field
• Mammalian cell culture is essential
• AAV vector experience is essential
• Protein biochemistry (protein expression from a range of organisms, purification and analysis)
• Molecular biology skills (DNA design, cloning, PCR, etc.)
• Creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to organize your own work with minimal supervision and set priorities in response to deadlines
• Ability to supervise others (e.g. Masters and university students)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Practical experience in a research environment and publication in relevant, peer-reviewed journals

What can we offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to advance science for humanity.
• Advance your career: Gain access to Imperial’s leading sector Dedicated career support for researchers As well as opportunities for promotion and advancement.
• Industry-leading salary and bonus package (including 41 days holiday per year and generous pension plans).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with different people Employee networks And resources to support your personal and professional life Luxury.

More information

This is a full time position (35 hours per week).

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for up to 24 months.

Candidates must be able to start work as of January 2026, Or as soon as possible thereafter.

Candidates who have not yet obtained a doctoral degree will be formally appointed as a research assistant.

If you require further details about the role, please contact:

Professor Geoff Baldwin via email: g.baldwin@Imperial.ac.uk.