Research Associate in Microfluidics for Quantum Bio-Sensing

Overview

Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389)

Contract: Full-Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 24 months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.

About our Team

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at Heriot-Watt University undertakes research across solid‑state photonics and quantum technologies, engineering coherent light–matter interactions in advanced quantum structures and devices. QPL works with platforms including wide‑bandgap defects (e.g. diamond, SiC), 2D materials, III–V quantum dots, and rare‑earth doped crystals. We operate well‑equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high‑resolution laser spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures, with RF control of electronic/nuclear spins and facilities for quantum‑device fabrication. QPL collaborates widely across HWU, the UK and internationally, and contributes to several UK quantum hubs, including Q-BIOMED, which targets spin‑based quantum sensors for biomedical research and early disease detection. The Quantum Bio‑Imaging Group focuses on developing quantum bio‑imaging tools to study metabolic plasticity from single cells to whole organisms, aiming to translate quantum sensing into pharma R&D and clinical diagnostics.

The Role

We seek a talented, motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop a microfluidic system, integrate it with a quantum sensing microscope, and validate it on biological samples in collaboration with other team members, academic and industrial partners. The project goal is to create an integrated, multimodal platform to evaluate cellular metabolism and metabolic plasticity in complex microenvironments. The project is expected to generate high‑impact publications and underpin integrated quantum sensing devices for biomedical applications. The post offers technical training, secondment opportunities with company and academic collaborators, and a tailored career development plan.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and optimise microfluidic devices for use with advanced optical and quantum‑sensing instrumentation.
• Integrate microfluidic platforms with the NV‑based quantum‑sensing confocal microscope.
• Develop hardware and mixed‑signal electronic control systems for real‑time microfluidic actuation, manipulation, and sorting.
• Develop, refine, and validate experimental protocols, and apply them to biological samples in collaboration with the team.
• Design and execute experiments, including data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and modelling/simulation where appropriate.
• Contribute to IP generation and translational pathways.
• Collaborate effectively across the QPL and with external partners, share laboratory equipment responsibly.
• Supervise and mentor PhD and undergraduate researchers in daily lab activities.
• Disseminate results via high‑quality publications and conference presentations, present progress in group and project meetings.
• Maintain high standards of record‑keeping, data management and research integrity.
• Support lab operations (maintenance, vendor liaison) and contribute to outreach (talks, demos, public engagement).

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering or related subjects (or expected to be awarded a PhD soon).
• A demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) in:

• Microfluidic system design and fabrication, including cleanroom microengineering or soft‑lithography methods.
• Integration of microfluidic devices with optical instrumentation.
• Development of mixed‑signal electronics for microfluidic control, including optical detection and analogue/digital signal processing.
• Design and implementation of real‑time actuation or sorting strategies driven by optical or sensor‑based readouts.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in working with mammalian cells.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
• Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
• Experience of research-student supervision.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

What We Offer

A 24‑month appointment (extendable for 12 months), within a vibrant quantum photonics & bio‑imaging environment. Access to advanced optical/quantum laboratories and collaborative networks (academic & industrial). Training in technical and professional skills, opportunities for secondments. A supportive, inclusive culture committed to equality, diversity & inclusion and to researcher development.

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted until midnight on 04 March 2026.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.