Research Fellow - Engineering / Institute of Pharmaceutical Science

Job description
The role is to work on the Wellcome Leap project “Biofoundry-in-A-Box (BiaB): Modular microfactories for powering the global RNA production network”.  The role will be split between Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science and applications are welcomed from scientists with backgrounds across engineering, pharmaceutical science and allied disciplines, who are imaginative and ambitious to pursue a large interdisciplinary laboratory research programme.
The Engineering component involves integration of modular RNA substance synthesis and formulation in a continuous Quality by Design (QbD) manufacturing stream.  The use of process intensification and flow technologies will be applied to scale up RNA manufacture.  The BiaB will synthesise cell-free target RNA sequences from a pDNA template, then formulate the product.
The Pharmaceutical Science role is to take the configurable formulation and explore the correct formulation route and excipients from a library of options for meeting the target clinical needs (e.g. intranasal vaccination) in terms of delivery, administration method, concentration and overall product quantity.  A library of alternative formulations will be developed and explored for their suitability for mucosal delivery via the intranasal and orally inhaled routes by demonstrating product transfection efficiency and stability.  Innovative delivery systems and formulations will be studied alongside the established lipid nanoparticle formulations, with characterisation by transfection assays, quality assays, potency, in vivo models, cellular pathway assays and aerosol/spray delivery via devices for targeting the respiratory mucosa .
This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 3 years
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Conduct high quality research for the engineering and pharmaceutical science components of the Wellcome Leap “Biofoundry-in-A-Box” project 
• Deliver research excellence within tight reporting deadlines and contribute to a supportive, collegiate culture. 
• Develop productive collaborative links with colleagues in Engineering and IPS, across King’s and with academic and industry project partners in the UK and internationally. 
• Guided by the department safety committee and practices, be responsible for the health and safety of yourself and others. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge, and experience
Essential criteria 
1.       First Degree or Masters in relevant subject
2.       PhD level in PhD in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology or a related subject
3.       Experience in flow chemistry
4.       A track record of relevant research evidenced, for example, by presentation of research findings at seminars and publications in scientific journals
5.       Highly effective oral and written communication skills, to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information, alongside good organisational and administrative skills
6.       Proactive in creating and developing interactions and collaborations with colleagues
7.       Ability to lead and function within a team and to plan and prioritise workload

Desirable criteria
1.       Postdoctoral experience
2.       Supervision of postgraduate research students