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Form of work
SalaryAbout us
UCL Biochemical Engineering is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate on a fixed-term of 36 months with possibility of extension to be part of the growing UCL Cellular Agriculture Research Group led by Dr Petra Hanga (https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/84339-petra-hanga).
About the role
This Industrial-Research project aims to develop CULT-GRO, a novel cell-culture production system that will advance the sustainable protein revolution to enable the UK's cultivated meat market to respond to food supply-chain demands more rapidly, policy changes, climate commitments, reducing carbon emissions and addressing the shortages in meat globally. CULT-GRO will be developed by a sector-leading consortium made by two start-ups in the field (Quest Meat and Multus) and our team at UCL, building on strong pre-existing relationships to develop and validate CULT-GRO at scale in preparation for commercialisation as well as driving future collaborative R&D. This collaborative project will complement the existing activity within our Cellular Agriculture Research Group at UCL Biochemical Engineering and the programme of work of the recently awarded EPSRC Cellular Agriculture Manufacture Hub (CARMA) (led by University of Bath, UCL as a partner) by testing novel technology developed by industry and utilising our world-leading expertise in bioprocess development to validate this new technology (e.g. CULT-GRO) at scale. Role specific details: • This is a fixed-term role of 10 months. • Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis. • This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa. • This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-stafffor more information. Duties and responsibilities: • To take ownership of all aspects of the project, keeping all project stakeholders informed of the progress. • To design and perform relevant experimental studies to achieve the project deliverables. • To manage time effectively and efficiently. • To write and maintain accurate records of the research being undertaken. • To perform troubleshooting experiments when required. • To continuously get up-to-date with the literature in the field. • To perform data analysis and contribute intellectually to the project through the critical interpretation of data. • To communicate and present results within the Cellular Agriculture Research Group meetings and the project associated meetings and events, and at national and international conferences. • To prepare written summaries of the research undertaken, periodic reports and publications for high quality peer reviewed journals. • To prepare progress reports on research for funding bodies as required. • To generate a final report detailing all research findings and their impact. • To engage with the daily supervision and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students. • To undertake appropriate training and to also provide training to other lab users. • The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager or Head of Department. • The postholder will actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies. • The postholder will maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations. • The job description cannot be exhaustive, and the post-holder may, from time-to time, be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities. • You may be asked to perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.
About you
Essential requirements: • Hold a PhD in a relevant area (e.g. biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, bioprocessing, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering etc). • Demonstrate significant experience with aseptic mammalian cell culture. • Have knowledge and experience of working with stirred tank bioreactors. • Have a strong understanding and experience of key analytical techniques including microscopy and flow cytometry. • Have excellent organisation, planning and time management skills. • Demonstrate experience of working within a laboratory environment. • Be proactive with a willingness and aptitude to take ownership of all aspects of the project (including administration, communication etc.) • Be able to manage parallel research work packages and work to deadlines. • Demonstrate the ability to carry out high quality original research, leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals. • Be able to problem solve both independently and by proactively seeking the advice of collaborating partners where appropriate. • Be able to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences. • Have excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. • Be able to work collaboratively and as part of a team. • Be willing to travel as required. • Be willing to learn new methods. • Be willing to work flexibly including out of hours or on the weekends as necessary (the work will be dictated by the cells which may require activities such as feedings, sampling, or subculture of the cells out of normal working hours). Desirable requirements: • An understanding of both the engineering aspects of cell production and the fundamental cell biology underpinning this work. • Knowledge and experience of culturing and characterising Stem Cells. • Knowledge and experience of working with microcarriers. Other information: • If you have any queries about the role, please contact m.hanga@ucl.ac.uk.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: • 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under represented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
