Research Assistant/Associate in NanoBio Printing and Assembly
Develop protein-guided, droplet-based manufacturing processes for advanced functional materials in a multidisciplinary engineering project.
Best for:Best for candidates with a PhD (or near completion) in chemical engineering, materials science, or related disciplines, possessing strong experimental skills in printing, microfluidics, or flow processes, and an interest in interdisciplinary materials research.
Overview
This position at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering offers a Research Assistant/Associate role focused on advancing nano-bio printing and assembly techniques. The project, funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency, aims to create rare-earth-free magnetic materials and advanced nanoporous electrodes for high-capacity batteries. The successful candidate will design and optimize instrumented printing, droplet-generation, and controlled-flow systems, integrating protein-containing formulations to achieve anisotropic order in stable materials. The role involves close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including protein, mineralization, nanocrystal, chemistry, magnetics, AI, and manufacturing experts, with responsibilities extending to technical project leadership, coordination, and mentoring.
What you'll do
- Design and operate instrumented printing, droplet-generation, membrane-emulsification, and controlled-flow systems for material assembly.
- Integrate protein-containing formulations and test magnetic, electric, shear, flow, and drying-assisted alignment techniques.
- Define process windows and analyze data to ensure reproducible standard operating procedures.
- Support quality control and scale-up of manufacturing processes for functional materials.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including protein, mineralization, nanocrystal, chemistry, magnetics, AI, and manufacturing experts.
- Act as a technical project lead, managing coordination, risk assessment, and mentoring junior researchers.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in chemical engineering, materials science, materials engineering, applied physics, fluid mechanics, colloid or interface science, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent experience). Candidates close to obtaining their PhD may apply at Research Assistant level, with promotion to Research Associate upon PhD completion.
Language: English; proficiency required for collaboration and documentation.
Instruction: English
- Strong experimental skills in printing, droplet, microfluidic, or flow processes.
- Experience with field-assisted processing techniques.
- Proficiency in high-speed or quantitative imaging methods.
- Hands-on experience with magnetic or colloidal materials.
- Knowledge of protein production and handling.
- Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
- Candidates close to obtaining their PhD may apply at Research Assistant level.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-19
Applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter through the University of Cambridge’s online application portal. Only requested documents will be considered. Ensure the reference 'NM51291' is quoted in the application and any correspondence.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Covering letter
Contact
Ronan Daly· Project Lead
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