About the role

The post is funded by EPSRC Healthcare Hub: The VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living / ). This role is for a qualified and experienced scientist/engineer who has been working in an academic or commercial research laboratory/company related to design and synthesis of high-performance functional polymers and nanocomposites. We will closely collaborate with partner groups in the VIVO Hub for exploitation of their applications of actuators, wearable and implantable devices, soft robotics. The aim of the projects is to develop future digital-physical enhanced mobility assistance systems.

The post holder will contribute to the plan to deliver technical innovation and lead specified work packages developing the experimental plan with Professor Song and other members of the team, and allocating resources to the tasks within the plan. To ensure successful development of novel multi-responsive elastomers, hydrogels, nanocomposites and the applications of mobility-assistance devices, the candidate requires a strong background/knowledge of polymer science and engineering. Experience in wearable sensors/devices, soft robotics, tissue engineering is also desirable. In addition, they also require excellent interpersonal skills to work within and across diverse and interdisciplinary teams.


Other
• The advert will close on 6th January at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended.
• Interview Date(s) TBC
• If you have any queries about the role, please contact Prof. Wenhui Song on
• If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Team on
• The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit to find out more.

About you

The post holder must hold a PhD degree in polymer chemistry, polymer science and engineering, polymer composites/nanocomposites or in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience
Expertise in in design, synthesis and characterisation of responsive and functional polymers, elastomers, hydrogels or polymer composites/nanocomposites for wearable devices, soft robotics or implantable devices
The successful holder must have experience in processing and characterisation of structure and properties of polymers, composites and nanocomposites; or design, fabrication and characterisation of wearable devices or implantable devices, scaffolds, sensor, actuators and soft robotics.
Experience in 3D and 4D printing and characterisation of active devices, photonic/electronic devices and implants would be advantageous.

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