Postdoctoral Advanced Microfluidics Specialist

FRANKLIN Theme(s) Correlated Imaging
Project: Advanced Microfluidics for Novel Optical Imaging.
Location: Harwell
Hours full/part: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract type perm/FTC duration: 3 years’ fixed term contract
Reporting to Professor A Kirkland, Associate Professor M Fritzsche
Vacancy reference: 10132

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

As a postdoctoral scientist within the correlated imaging theme of the Franklin and at the Kennedy Institute in Oxford, you will develop a microfluidics-based organ on a chip within the context of a larger project which will develop the UK’s first Biophotonic Correlative Optical Platform (BioCOP) for high-performance imaging over multiple length- and time-scales. More specifically you will develop a variety of different custom-engineered microfluidic chips to mimic immunological micro-environments hosting biology-tunable and mechanically-adjustable vascularised tissue microenvironments for the study of primary immune cell cultures in the context of human health and disease.

This post will be located at the Franklin on the Harwell Campus with some work being carried out at the Kennedy Institute.
The post holder will report to Associate Professor Marco Fritzsche, Franklin Kennedy fellow and ultimately to Professor Angus Kirkland, Science Director at the Franklin.

Responsibilities
You will:
• Actively participate in the Franklin and KIR funded research programme specialising in the development of microfluidics.
• Publish research articles in leading academic journals.
• Carry out troubleshooting of problems with equipment, provide maintenance and fabrication of microfluidics and other equipment. Contact engineers to arrange service.
• Provide relevant advice and training/tutorials on theory and practical applications of microfluidics to PhD students, Postdocs and PIs.
• Actively participate in meetings at both the RFI and KIR.
• Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Rosalind Franklin Institute.
• Foster collaborations between themes at the Franklin
• Work with others in a safe and timely manner considering all those who will be affected by your work.
• Any other duties that arise in the normal running of the Franklin and that can be reasonably requested of the post holder.
The above job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post-holder.

Selection criteria
Qualifications
• A Ph.D. in Engineering, Chemistry or another cognate subject with experience in Microfluidics
Research Skills
Essential
• A demonstrated ability to identify critical research questions, and to develop experimental and computational / theoretical strategies to address these.
• Ability to discuss, coordinate, and lead complex experiments and data analysis with colleagues from a variety of different disciplines.
• Experience in designing, fabrication, and alignment of advanced microfluidic chips.
• Experience of immunological research with lymphocytes such as T cells and B cells.
• Knowledge of methodologies for the quantification of lymphocyte biomechanics and mechanobiology
• Willingness to apply for external funding for the research projects.

Desirable
• Experience of training and mentoring junior members of the team and students.
• An understanding of and interest in protein chemistry

Cognate Skills
Essential
• Ability to analyse and write up results to publication standard
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Willingness to travel for training, dissemination of your work and collaboration.

Personal Qualities
• Commitment to science driven high quality research
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Please note: A cover letter, CV and completed application form are required for this position.
Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

In return we offer:
• 25 days holidays
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme
• Access to employee discount platform
• Subsidised canteen
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

Closing date: 31st May 2021 at 9:00am

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Area: Scientific
Location: Harwell
Type of Post: Full time
Period of appointment: 3 years’ fixed term contract
Salary: £33,000 - £39,000 per annum
Closing Date: 31.05.2021
Ref No: 10132