MSCA Fellowship - PhD Student in Dynamic Polymeric Synthetic Cells

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

This post is part of the new EU Horizon Europe Funded Doctoral Network, ComeInCell (Condensates at Membrane Scaffolds - Integrated Systems as Synthetic Cell Compartments, https://www.comeincell.org/). ComeInCell is a European Doctoral Network at the forefront of synthetic cell research and brings together a diverse team of experts in 8 different countries. Through industry-academia placements the network provides state-of-the-art training for early-stage researchers (ESR).

ComeInCell offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in the field of Synthetic Biology, working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. The project will explore how membranes and condensates together regulate protein function and drive cellular processes, towards development of innovative biomimetic platforms. These platforms will provide a deeper understanding of essential cellular processes like membrane trafficking and pathologies like neurodegenerative diseases and will open new avenues for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. You will benefit from a diverse and interdisciplinary training program, including placements in leading labs and collaborations with industry partners, gaining hands-on experiences in different labs, building connections with peers and mentors. The network fosters a rich environment for innovation and skill development, equipping students to lead in both academic and industrial sectors.

You will be recruited for a duration of 36 months and must work towards a PhD at Imperial College London. You will work on an independent research project related to synthetic cell research and will undertake four periods of placement to other academic or industry institutes.

The Research Assistant post and the PhD will commence in October 2025.

What you would be doing:

You will take a lead role on designing dynamic polymeric synthetic cells. This research project aims to advance synthetic cell technology by developing synthetic constructs that mimic the structural and functional characteristics of biological cells. Focusing on the interaction between condensates and polymeric membranes, the project seeks to induce and control specific transformations in artificial cells. By leveraging polymer science, you will manipulate the composition, morphology, and topology of these cells, facilitating dynamic behaviours such as membrane fusion, deformation, patterning, and division. Employing a combination of polymer synthesis, condensate dynamics studies, and advanced imaging techniques, the project intends to deepen our understanding of membrane-condensate interactions and develop new artificial cell designs.

The project will include placements at Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany (DImova Lab), the University of Santiago De Campostela in Spain (Montenegro Lab), University of Cambridge in the UK (Di Michele Lab) and the University of Surrey in the UK (Guido Lab).

Eligibility requirements:

• Applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the organization they are applying to for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment.
• Applicant must not yet been awarded a PhD degree and must be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers prior to the recruitment.
• The successful candidate will be employed as a Research Assistant and must apply for admission as a PhD student with Imperial college London and be able to meet our criteria for admission.
• The applicant must be willing to undertake placements abroad

What we are looking for:

• A first / master degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Previous experience in a research laboratory environment
• Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including for example: soft matter, biophysics, microscopy, analytical techniques
• Wiliness in working in vibrant, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative teams
• Ability to take initiatives in the planning of the research project
• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature

What we can offer you:

• The Research Assistant will also be compensated with a Mobility Allowance for researchers who have a family, as well as a Family Allowance. All amounts are subject to deductions and taxes. Family is defined as persons linked to the researcher by (i) marriage, or (ii) a relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognised by the national legislation of the country of the beneficiary or of the nationality of the researcher, or (iii) dependent children who are being maintained by the researcher; family status is determined at recruitment and does not evolve.
• The opportunity to be part of an international and multi-disciplinary European network
• Hands-on experience across 3-4 different labs
• The opportunity to build connection with peers and mentors
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain 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 post is available full-time, fixed term for 3 years.

You will be based at the South Kensington Campus.

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

Dr Claudia Contini – c.contini@imperial.ac.uk.