About the role
NexTGenis a high-impact, £20M partnership uniting 9 institutions across the UK, USA, and France (). Funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute and The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, the initiative is co-led by Dr. Martin Pule (UCL) and Prof. Catherine Bollard (Children's National Medical Center, USA). Its mission is to develop new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to treat childhood solid tumours.
We previously acquired microscopy images of tumour extracellular matrices (ECM) from our NexTGen collaborator, Prof. Emmanuel Donnadieu’s group (INSERM, France). Analysis of these ECM networks provided key insights that guided the design of our 3D microprinted cell scaffolds. These scaffolds function as artificial “obstacle courses”, challenging CAR T cells to navigate towards cancer cells. Our next objective is to integrate the scaffolds into microfluidic devices to enable reliable cell seeding, culture, and live-cell imaging.
The main purporse of the role is to develop and optimise protocols for designing and fabricating scaffold-integrated microfluidic devices to study CAR T cell migration dynamics. The candidate will operate our state-of-the-art 3D microprinter, Nanoscribe Photonic Professional GT2, to fabricate the scaffolds. For cell migration studies, the candidate is expected to use cell tracking tools to analysis cell trajectories. They are also expected to collaborate with other researchers within the CNIE and NexTGen team, to extend the impact of the research.
This is a fixed term role for 22 months from 1st of August to 31st of May in the first instance.
The salary range for this role is from £44,-£45, per annum inclusive of London Allowance.
The work type of the post is hybrid, with the expectation of 4 days a week working from the office/lab.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit
About you
We are excited to announce an opportunity to join our innovative research team. To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following essential criteria:
PhD in bioengineering, chemical engineering, materials science, life sciences, physical sciences, or a related field. Research experience in a multi-disciplinary environment. Proven creativity, intellectual depth, and strong research skills. First authorship in high-impact journals. Ability to present complex information effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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 closure days) 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
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
Enquiries should be addressed to Professor Marc-Olivier Coppens:.
Any queries on the application process can be directed to the HR team at.
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit
