Salary Range:
Research Assistant: £31,740 - £33,370 p.a.
Research Associate: £36,070 – £43,350 p.a.*
Fixed Term appointment for 12 months in the first instance
Imperial College London is a science-based institution with the greatest concentration of high-impact research of any major UK university. The Faculty of Engineering, consistently rated among the best in the world, is made up of 10 academic departments and is committed to increasing its research activity by focusing on engineering-led multidisciplinary growth areas that target a number of global challenges. All of our academic departments are located on a single campus in South Kensington, giving a concentration of talent that creates a stimulating and vibrant research community. You can find out more about our staff benefits, including generous annual leave entitlements and our excellent professional development opportunities, here:
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/job-applicants/staff-benefits/.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on a 3 year project in Dr. Claire Higgins’s lab in the Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London. There will be close interaction with Dr Marc Masen in Mechanical Engineering, and Dr Spyros Masouros in Bioengineering throughout the project.
The focus of the project is to investigate how skin fibroblasts can re-programme or re-engineer stem cells in the epidermis to alternate fates. We are interested in the effect of biophysical changes within the cells of the skin, on material and mechanical properties at the skin surface. The data acquired will be used to build finite element models of skin, to assess the effects of compression, and the relationship between skin thickness and interstitial strain. Too much strain can lead to the development of pressure ulcers, or bedsores. This project aims to identify ways to reduce pressure and friction at the skin surface, to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead an interdisciplinary research project with a main focus being the development of finite element models of skin and underlying soft tissues from patient data.
The successful candidate will need to hold a Ph.D, and have an excellent track record of research in a field related to bioengineering, mechanical engineering or biological sciences. The successful candidate must have finite element modelling experience. Expertise with non-linear visco-elastic materials is desirable but not essential. The candidate should be interested in applying FE to biological applications, and be open-minded and creative. Molecular biology, Cell culture or Biophysics experience is a bonus, but not essential.
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £31,740 - £33,370 per annum.
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr. Claire Higgins at
[email protected].
Our preferred method of application is online via our website. Please click ‘apply’ below or go to
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/job-applicants/ (Select “Job Search” then enter the job title or vacancy reference number into “Keywords”). Please send a cover letter and your curriculum vitae. Also complete and upload an application form as directed quoting reference number EN20160342FH. Further information is also available on the job description.
Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Ms. Mica Jones at
[email protected]Closing Date: Post will remain open until filled
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