Research Assistant or Associate in NanoBio Printing and Architected Materials, Cambridge Engineering
Job Description
Cambridge’s Department of Engineering is hiring a Research Assistant or Research Associate in NanoBio printing and assembly, on an ARIA-funded project making architected functional materials. The salary is £33,002 to £46,049 a year and applications close on 19 October 2026.
At a glance
- Post: Research Assistant or Associate in NanoBio Printing and Architected Materials
- Where: Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
- Salary: £33,002 to £46,049 a year
- Reference: NM51291
- Apply by: 19 October 2026
Read the official University of Cambridge advertisement before you apply.
About the work
The project develops protein-guided, droplet-based routes to architected functional materials, funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency, subject to contract negotiations. It collaborates across seven research groups on a new manufacturing pathway for multi-functional architected materials across length scales, studying two things: how to create rare-earth-free magnetic materials at scale and in useful formats, and how to create advanced nanoporous electrodes for high-capacity, long-life batteries.
You would take ownership of instrumented printing, droplet-generation, membrane-emulsification and controlled-flow systems. The work means integrating protein-containing formulations, comparing magnetic, electric, shear, flow and drying-assisted alignment, and testing protein retention or removal to lock anisotropic order into stable materials. You would define process windows, interrogate data, maintain reproducible standard operating procedures and support quality control and scale-up.
The post is based in West Cambridge and involves close collaboration across protein, mineralisation, nanocrystal, chemistry, magnetics, AI and manufacturing teams. It also includes supporting the project lead as a technical project lead, covering project management, coordination, risk management and mentoring.
What you need
- Applicants must have obtained, or be close to obtaining, the relevant degree. Read the official advertisement for the full specification
- Hands-on strength with printing, droplet generation, emulsification or controlled-flow systems
- Comfort working across disciplines, since the project spans seven groups
Two grades, one advertisement
The post is advertised as Research Assistant or Research Associate, which is why the salary range is wide. The grade you are offered usually depends on whether your doctorate has been awarded.
Pay
The advertised range is £33,002 to £46,049 a year. This is a fixed-term post.
How to apply
Apply online through the Cambridge job page. Click Apply, register an account with the University’s recruitment system if you do not have one, and complete the form. Quote reference NM51291 on your application and in any correspondence about the vacancy. You will normally be asked for a CV and the contact details of academic referees, so line those up before you start.
One thing to check first. The University states that it has a responsibility to ensure all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you are applying from outside the UK, read the visa position for this post before you spend time on the application.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in, or search our Find a supervisor page.
Hiring institution: University of Cambridge
Official advertisement: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk
How to prepare for this application
- This is an instrument-ownership post. Name the printing or flow equipment you have run and maintained.
- Two application targets, one process. Rare-earth-free magnets and battery electrodes. Say which you can speak to.
- There is a leadership element. The role supports the project lead, so mention any coordination or mentoring you have done.
- Quote the reference, NM51291. Cambridge asks for it on the form and in every email about the post.
- Line up your referees early. Cambridge contacts them during selection, so tell them before you apply.
- Check your right to work in the UK. Every Cambridge advert carries this condition, and it is the usual reason an overseas application stalls.
About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is one of the world's leading research universities. Its research posts are advertised centrally at jobs.cam.ac.uk, with each department running its own selection.