Magnetic Fluid Formulation Scientist

About the role

One of the projects that members of the Laboratory are currently engaged in is the development of a targeted therapy to deliver therapeutic doses of thermal energy into or adjacent to cancerous tumours, both as a monotherapy and as an adjunct to standard-of-care chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. The thermal therapy uses a special type of iron-oxide-based injectable magnetic material that can be made to heat up in situ via the application of a time-varying magnetic field. As part of this work, a new type of remote thermometry is being explored (to enable dose-response monitoring) that is based on the use of quantum-enabled optically pumped magnetometers to measure magnetic relaxation signals from the embedded magnetic nanoparticles.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral Magnetic Fluid Formulation Scientist to join our team on this exciting project. This 18-month fixed-term position is part of the EPSRC-funded Q-Biomed project, which aims to bring quantum-enabled technologies into mainstream clinical applications. The key responsibility of the postholder will be to undertake a formulation science research project, the main objective of which is to optimise the in vivo retention and dispersion of an as-received suspension of magnetic nanoparticles in a carrier fluid. This is a high priority objective, as the remote thermal monitoring goal is implicitly aligned with the achievement of maximal retention and minimal dispersion of the magnetic materials following interstitial injection.

• This is a fixed-term role until 30-Sep- in the first instance.
• Please note that the earliest start date for this role is 01-Apr-.
• 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.
• We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
• This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% on site.
• This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit for more information.

Please note that Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD (or equivalent). Pending this, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (£39,- £41, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 (as per the above salary scales) being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

About you

The successful applicant will have a PhD in formulation chemistry or a closely allied subject, and a working knowledge and personal experience in small animal handling.

They will have excellent organisational and communication skills. They will have a strong understanding of the role of excipients in tuning the physicochemical properties of aqueous magnetic nanoparticle suspensions, including their stability. They will have a strong understanding of the requirements of clinical-grade formulation products, including sterilisation and biocompatibility validation testing.

They will have a demonstrable interest in finding ways to successfully work with the extended UCL community on cross-institutional projects.

It is desirable, but not essential, that they will be a Home Office ASRU Personal Licence holder. It is desirable, but not essential ,that they will have experience in the process of radiolabelling nanoparticles in suspension.

Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please evidence how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the Job Description. Please upload this in the cover letter attachment section of the application form. By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the 'Why you have applied for this role' field in the online application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)

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