Research Associate in Process Systems Engineering

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Research Associate in Process Systems Engineering to be funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). You will develop algorithms and a user interface for modelling and optimisation of manufacturing recipes and related process control strategies. You will work as part of a team that develops model-based approaches to design space characterization and optimization, and derivation of surrogate models to integrate algorithms with process analytical technologies and develop a digital twin platform.

The position is part of the wider collaboration with GSK towards the development of advanced modelling, optimization and control methodologies for biomanufacturing. You will work with collaborators to understand industrial needs that inform the user interface design. You will work under the supervision of Dr Maria Papathanasiou and Prof Cleo Kontoravdi at the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering.

What you would be doing:

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Integrating end-to-end biomanufacturing process models into optimisation and control algorithms, interfacing online measurement systems and existing workflows
• Developing computer-aided tools for design-space characterization and optimization
• Developing user friendly GUIs for the above tools
• Generating new codes, evaluating, and fully documenting them
• Collaborating with the industry partner by collecting information and feedback, gaining process know-how, and implementing optimization and control algorithms

What we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates that match the below profile:

• PhD in Chemical and/or Process Systems Engineering or similar
• Strong background in Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
• Practical experience with process simulation, process analysis, process optimization
• Experience in software development
• Experience working within a research environment
• Demonstrated publication experience in relevant and refereed journals, as well as international conferences
• Track-record of projects involving industrial partners
• Experience in biopharmaceutical applications is preferred

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003– £46,297 per annum.

What we can offer you:

• Experience in working on and expanding knowledge of digital manufacturing
• Collaboration with multinational biopharmaceuticals partner
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to conduct science for humanity.
• Access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

The contract will run for 18 months until 31/05/2026 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to research funding. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus).

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Dr Maria Papathanasiou (m.papathanasiou11@imperial.ac.uk), or

Prof Cleo Kontoravdi (cleo.kontoravdi98@imperial.ac.uk).

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG03284. 

Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact: 

chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1st December 2024

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