Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to help develop the next generation of fibre-based optical imaging and spectroscopy tools. This EPSRC-funded role is central to an exciting new effort to accelerate and miniaturise micro-elasticity imaging systems for in-vivo and clinical applications. You will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team aiming to revolutionise phonon-based endoscopic imaging by integrating state-of-the-art fibre optics, photonic time-stretch techniques, and ultrafast laser technologies. The goal is to develop a compact, robust, and fibre-integrated optical system capable of probing tissue mechanics at unprecedented speeds, with direct implications for early cancer diagnostics and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop fibre-integrated time-stretch and femtosecond pump-probe systems using dispersion-engineered components.
• Engineer and characterise high-resolution spectrometers for detecting time-resolved signals.
• Contribute to system-level prototyping, validation, and real-world deployment of endoscopic tools.
• Collaborate with clinicians and life scientists on biological use-cases including tumour elasticity and biopsy probes.
• Communicate research findings in several different formats, e.g., in scientific journal publications, conferences, seminars, group meetings, grant proposals, and public outreach events.

Essential Requirements:

• PhD (or nearing completion) in optics, photonics, physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• A record of high-quality publications with evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in IR fibre optics, optical instrumentation, high-resolution spectroscopy, and ultrafast laser systems.
• Strong experimental skills, including system design, integration, alignment, and characterisation of laser-based instrumentation.
• Strong experience with computer programming, both for signal processing and experimental hardware control (e.g., C, C++, Python, MATLAB).

Desirable:

• Experienced Class 4 laser user, with record of laser safety training.
• Experience with Brillouin spectroscopy, pump-probe techniques, or NIR/IR spectroscopy.
• Experience with dispersion compensation or fibre dispersion engineering.
• Familiarity with biomedical optics or applications in life sciences, including cell culture.
• Experience with thin-film fabrication techniques, e.g., sputtering, spin-coating, thermal evaporation.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading research in laser ultrasonics and photonics.

You will have access to cutting-edge facilities, expert collaborators, international conference travel, and support for professional development. The position is based at the University of Nottingham, a recognised centre of excellence in optical imaging and ultrasonics.

The post is offered on a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term contract until 30th September 2027.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Further details:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

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Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

£31,637 to £46,735 per annum, (pro rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,116 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

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