Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Fellow for Advanced Biosensors Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Fellow for Advanced Biosensors

At the Advanced Biosensing Technology Group, our research interests include the study of chemical and physical properties of advanced materials using nanotechnology and the assembly of different chemical and biological wearable/implantable/point-of-care sensors using these materials for the high precision detection of biomarkers and physiological parameters, such as proteins, DNA, antigen, pH, moisture, glucose, and other small molecules. We are also interested in the development of assistive biosensing system, which can be integrated into the medical robotic systems to guide the surgeries. We are currently partner with the national UK Dementia Research Institute to develop point-of-care biosensors for the detection of neurodegenerative disease biomarkers.

Established in 2014 as part of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MAPS) Faculty, the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery (IMD) acts as a focal point of materials research at UCL across all departments. The IMD strives to be at the forefront of advanced materials research. We run state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities and offer vibrant MSc programs across UCL's Bloomsbury and UCL East campuses. We are understanding fundamental materials behaviour, pioneering novel data-driven approaches for materials discovery, developing innovative sustainable materials for new innovative applications and boosting enterprise (i.e., industry) oriented materials research.

We are seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Fellow (depending on PhD holding status) to join the Advanced Biosensing Technology Group at University College London to work on an exciting project for the detection of novel dementia biomarkers. You will support the design and improvement of the 2D material-based biosensor array for the ultrasensitive detection of proposed dementia biomarkers. This biosensing platform will need to be validated in clinical samples, which aims for the preparation of the next stage of transational study. You will closely work along with another expert with micro/nanofabrication background to optimise the biosensor performance. You will also work with leading experts in both academic and industrial sectors.

This is 12 months full-time project, to begin in Sep 2026 or soon after, with potential to extend for another 11 months. Requirements and person specifications of the role as well as your responsibilities and benefits are included in the following. Ample networking and collaboration opportunities within UCL including Chemistry, Physics, London Centre of Nanotechnology, and Engineering departments as well as with Imperial College London, UK Dementia Research Institute, and our leading international industry are offered.

About the role

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Fellow interested in the development of next generation diagnostic tools for the analysis of dementia blood biomarkers, which will contribute to the timely intervention and improved patient outcome, as well as supporting the future development of effective treatment and disease-modifying strategy.

In particular, you will be expected to:

• Co-lead high-quality, high-throughput experimentation, device fabrication, characterisation, bio-functionalisation, and data acquisition within artificial and complex clinical samples.
• Deliver and report on projects results including in major journals, conferences, and workshops.
• Participate in project meetings with collaborators and funders (online and onsite).

Please note that this opportunity is available as either a Grade 6B Research Assistant (if non-PhD holding), or a Grade 7 Research Fellow (if PhD holding).

About you

The appointee will hold either a PhD (Grade 7 role) or an MSc degree (Grade 6B role) in Nanotechology/Chemistry /Bioengineering /Materials Sci./Eng. or relevant related discipline.

The post holder will hold experience in antibody fragmentation, antibody modification or antibody-fragment characterisation, including SDS-PAGE and ELISA or closely related methods.

Application processs

As part of your application, please ensure that you include the following documents:

• CV with a list of major research achievements to date;
• A short cover letter;
• A publication list. References to online profiles are welcome if applicable (but not necessary).

A full Job Description and Person Specification for this role can be found at the bottom of this page.

If you have any queries about this position, please contact Dr Bing Li ( bing.li@ucl.ac.uk ).

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 (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closuredays)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• 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.

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.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our long-term commitment in advancing gender equality.

Available documents

• download: JD – Alzheimer's Society PDRA_Biology_V3.pdf