Research Associate in Thermodynamic Modelling and Solvent Design for Pharmaceutical Applications

Job number

ENG03694

Faculties

Faculty of Engineering

Departments

Department of Chemical Engineering

Salary or Salary range

£49,017 - £57,472 per annum

Location/campus

South Kensington Campus - Hybrid

Contract type work pattern

Full time - Fixed term

Posting End Date

9 Nov 2025

About the role

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a research associate to lead the development of advanced methodologies for large-scale parameter estimation for thermodynamic models based on the SAFT-g Mie equation of state. These models are applied to predict the behaviour of complex mixtures, with particular relevance to pharmaceutical systems. This position is part of the Mediforge Manufacturing Hub, a wider research programme to transform the development and manufacturing of medicines improving the sustainability pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The project is a collaboration between the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College London, the University of Strathclyde, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, and the Glasgow School of Art. The post holder will work under the supervision of Profs. Claire Adjiman, Amparo Galindo and George Jackson at Imperial.

What you would be doing

You will develop advanced methodologies for large-scale parameter estimation for molecular thermodynamic models with a view to apply these models in pharmaceutical systems. You will collaborate with team members across the project and you will be responsible for the dissemination of the research via peer-reviewed articles and presentations.

What we are looking for

• Significant expertise in two or more of the following areas: parameter estimation, molecular equations of state (preferably SAFT-type equations), optimisation
• Experience in at least one programming language
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A PhD (or equivalent) in chemical engineering or another relevant topic

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)

• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 – £47,223 per annum.

Further information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

You can start immediately, and ideally no later than 1 January 2026. The contract will run until 31/12/2027 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to research funding. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus).

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Prof Claire Adjiman (), Prof Amparo Galindo () or Prof George Jackson ().

To apply, please click the "" button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG03694. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 9th November 2025

For technical issues when applying online please email

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world's toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you'll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you'll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.

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