This short-term role (two months) supports King’s College London’s & the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science’s strategic commitment to research excellence, medicines governance, and improving access to healthcare. Positioned within the Medicines Development activities, the role is responsible for ensuring the quality assurance of drone-delivered systemic anti-cancer therapies. It requires a unique blend of expertise in pharmaceutical science, drone piloting, and analytical methods. The postholder will contribute to pioneering approaches in medicine distribution and safety, working at the intersection of research innovation and clinical impact.

 

Research Associate (Short-Term, 2 Months) – Aseptic Medicine Transport via Drone Delivery

Location: King’s College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science

Department: Medicines Development

Responsible to: Principal Investigator, Medicines Governance Programme

Responsible for: Quality assurance and analytical evaluation of drone-delivered systemic anti-cancer therapies and other pharmaceutical formulations

 

King’s College London is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Associate for a short-term appointment to support a pioneering project at the intersection of pharmaceutical science, drone technology, and healthcare innovation. This role aligns with the university’s strategic commitment to research excellence, medicines governance, and improving access to healthcare.

 

The successful candidate will play a critical role in evaluating the stability and integrity of aseptically prepared medicines delivered via drone, contributing to a novel approach in medicine distribution. The postholder will be embedded within the Medicines Development team and will be responsible for ensuring rigorous quality assurance across all stages of the project—from planning and flight testing to laboratory analysis and reporting.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Planning & Preparation: Set up laboratory infrastructure, procure consumables, calibrate instruments, and develop testing protocols and SOPs for monoclonal antibodies, nasal sprays, and tablets. Select and integrate environmental data loggers into medicine batches.

 

Flight Testing & Sample Collection: Coordinate drone deliveries under Good Distribution Practice to the University of Southampton, monitor flights, inspect retrieved medicines, and manage environmental data collection.

 

Laboratory Analysis: Conduct advanced analytical testing including SEC, DLS, HPLC, and UV spectroscopy to assess physical and chemical stability. Evaluate infusion bags for contamination and tablets per pharmacopoeia standards.

 

Data Analysis & Interpretation: Process and compare analytical data from control and drone-transported samples to determine the impact of aerial delivery on pharmaceutical integrity.

 

Reporting & Dissemination: Compile findings into a comprehensive report with recommendations for future regulatory considerations. Share results with stakeholders in pharmaceutical and regulatory sectors.

 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world clinical implications. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in pharmaceutical analysis, aseptic techniques, and drone operations, and be passionate about advancing healthcare delivery through innovation.

 

 

This is a full time post (37.5 hours per week ), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 22nd November 2025.