The appointment will be on UCL Grade 7. The salary range will be £35,965 to £43,470 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

Applications are invited for a research position to work on the development of ultrasound rewarming of biological cells and tissues after cryopreservation within the Biomedical Ultrasound Group at UCL.

The project is part of a larger UKRI funded research program to develop a system and methods for ultrasonic rewarming of biological cells and tissues after cryopreservation (storage at low temperatures). Storage by cryopreservation has the potential to facilitate the increased availability of cells, tissues, and organs for transplant and tissue and cell therapies. A significant barrier to this is the rewarming of clinical-scale volumes without damage (current clinical standard techniques are restricted to <3 ml). To avoid damage, samples must be warmed quickly and uniformly. However, for volumes of more than a few ml, this is not possible using existing standard water bath methods, so the development of volumetric rewarming methods is needed. The aim of this research program is to develop a novel ultrasonic warming technology for larger volumes of cells and tissues. As ultrasound passes through biological materials, energy is deposited as heat. By controlling the pattern of ultrasound waves throughout the tissue volume, energy can be deposited where needed for uniform and rapid warming. Key aspects of this project will include designing experimental set ups to integrate cells and tissues with ultrasound delivery systems, and optimising parameters for ultrasound warming by assessing cell viability and function post warming.

The post offers an opportunity to conduct research at an internationally leading university and contribute to the state-of-the-art in medical and therapeutic applications of ultrasound. The appointed person will work in a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Elly Martin (UKRI Future Leaders Fellow). The postholder will be affiliated with the Wellcome / EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS), and will work in collaboration with the BioArtificial Liver research group at UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health.

The post is available from November 2020, initially funded for 3 years with possible extension subject to funding.

A research fellow with a track record of research achievement (or progress towards it) is sought. Applicants must have PhD (or about to submit for a PhD) or equivalent experience in physics, engineering, or biological sciences. A strong background in engineering or physical sciences applied to biological systems, and knowledge of cell culture and biology is required. Experience or knowledge of some or all of the following would also be advantageous: cryobiology and cryopreservation, thermal physics and measurement, working with ultrasound systems (see job description for further details).

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £31,479 - £33,194 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

For further details about the vacancy and how to apply online please go to http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs/ and search on Reference Number 1871792. Please note that applicants must include a covering letter, CV and the names of two referees in their applications.

For queries regarding the vacancy, please contact Dr Elly Martin at elly.martin@ucl.ac.uk.

For any queries regarding the application process, please contact Ms Tracy Pearmain (tracy.pearmain@ucl.ac.uk). Further information about the UCL Biomedical Ultrasound Group can be found at http://bug.medphys.ucl.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 18/10/2020

Latest time for the submission of applications: 23:59.

Interview Date: TBC

UCL Taking Action for Equality

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

For further details about the vacancy and how to apply online please go to: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/working-ucl/jobs-ucl and search reference number 1871792.

To apply click here: https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/saf/login.cgi?owner=5041178&ownertype=fair&jcode=1871792&external=256126