Research Fellow in digital mRNA Manufacturing Process Development

About us

UCL Department of Chemical Engineering is one of the top research and teaching departments in the UK and has world-class standing. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and has an extensive research portfolio across a wealth of areas, from molecular scale to complex systems.

A digital continuous mRNA multi-product process will be developed. Real-time monitoring and automation features of the RNA production will be enabled by in-line and on-line sensors, soft-sensors, digital twins. The quality by digital design (QbDD) framework will enable multi-product RNA vaccine rapid development and mass-manufacturing.

About the role

The main aims of the role is to perform system integration/connectivity, automation and control for mRNA synthesis. The successful candidate will understand Industrial IoT principles for remote monitoring and data analytics and develop a web-based dashboard for data analytics and visualisation. Additionally, the candidate will analyse data and publish papers.

Salary is £43,124 - £51,610 per annum inclusive of London Allowance.

The role is fixed-term until 31st March 2027 in the first instance.

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-staff for more information.

About you

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in either (bio)Chemical Engineering, computer science or automation and control. Experience of working in a research environment and good coding and data science skills is essential.

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 (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.

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 underrepresented 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.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.

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