Job description

We are looking for an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a project on ultrasound-mediated paediatric brain tumour treatment using drug-loaded thermosensitive liposomes.   

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of therapeutic ultrasound, lipid based targeted drug delivery systems, in vivo imaging techniques, such magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF)/luminescence imaging. The candidate should have suitable skills in conjugate chemistry and liposome synthesis. The post involves the preparation and characterisation of MRI visible lipids. These lipids will be used to prepare drug-loaded liposomes. The liposomes will be characterised for their size and drug content (HPLC and MS). These will be tested for their ability to deliver drugs into the brain of paediatric tumour mouse models. Focused ultrasound and circulating microbubbles will be used to non-invasively disrupt the blood-brain barrier in a localised and reversible manner, followed by targeted drug release through mild hyperthermia. 

The candidate will develop ultrasound techniques and perform in vivo experiments aiming at non-invasive treatment of diffuse midline glioma (DMG). Cell lines may carry a reporter gene that will allow imaging of the brain tumour over time post treatment. The final aim will be to encapsulate multiple drugs targeting different molecular targets and deliver them in DMG using focused ultrasound.

The post-holder will join an exciting pre-clinical project in the heart of London, funded by the Little Princess Trust. The project is highly translational and its results will be used for the design of future clinical trials. The project will be based in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (No 1 in REF 2021) at King’s College London. The successful candidate will collaborate strongly with the project’s PI Dr Antonios Pouliopoulos and researchers at the Department of Surgical & Interventional Engineering, within the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, at King’s College London. 

Chemical synthesis and characterisation of liposomes will be conducted in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at King’s College London. Ultrasound experiments with NIRF imaging will be performed at Dr Thanou’s facilities at the Franklin Wilkins Building and ultrasound with MRI experiments will be conducted at St Thomas’ Hospital. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 3 years. 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

•      Prepare lipids for MR and NIRF imaging.  

•      Prepare liposomes carrying single drug or combination of drugs within the same liposome. 

•      Characterise liposomes for their physicochemical, drug loading, drug release and imaging properties 

•       Develop lipid based nanosized ultrasound cavitation agents  

•       Perform in vivo experiments for targeted liposome delivery into the brain of wild-type and tumour-bearing mice 

•       Confirm drug delivery and drug release using advanced imaging methods (e.g., MRI and NIRF/luminescence imaging) 

•       Assess biodistribution in organs and in brain tissue to measure drug delivery doses 

•       Analyse data and interpret results for publications and conference presentations 

•       Lead or contribute to the dissemination of the research through high impact publications and public engagement activities 

•       Collaborate with existing faculty and project partners on areas of research interest. 

•       Assist with PhD and Master students’ supervision in relevant projects 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria  

1.       PhD in an area relevant to nanomedicine, drug delivery to the brain, and /or MRI 

2.       MSc/MRes degree in relevant discipline (Chemistry, Pharmacology, Nanomedicine, Biomedical Engineering) 

3.       Bioconjugate chemistry techniques 

4.       Analytical chemistry techniques (NMR, Mass Spec)  

5.       Multidisciplinary approach to perform research 

6.       In Vivo tumour models. 

7.       Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

8.       Experience in disseminating scientific results in scientific publications and conferences 

9.       Problem-solving skills 

10.   Ability to work on own initiative and in a team 

Desirable criteria

1.   Experience in the chemical design of novel nanoparticles 

2.   Knowledge of chemistry of cancer drugs, and drug discovery. 

3.   Knowledge of ultrasound for imaging and therapy