At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative biomedical projects using advanced optical techniques and data analysis.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in healthcare with cutting-edge photonics technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in physics or engineering; experience with optical systems and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 6, £31,236 - £36,636 per annum
FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week); Fixed-term (6 months)
Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.
About our Team: Within the Photonics Instrumentation Group (PhI), and specifically the “TannerLab” sub-group, we exploit novel photonic techniques such as time resolved single photon technologies and optical fibre sensors to tackle clinical/biomedical challenges and other real-world applications. Our work is primarily experimental, developing measurement systems and principles, with theory and analysis to support this. We strongly collaborate with clinical practitioners in order to move those systems towards application.
Purpose of Role: This specific position is to support our ongoing project on NG Tube placement. This will be focused on diffuse optical data analysis, optical phantom manufacture, and experimental data acquisition. This will use advanced detection techniques, such as time resolved imaging. The role will be to support an existing PDRA in advancing testing and processing. Due to the short term and ongoing project with strict time limits, this position is for someone with specific skills for rapid start and project progression.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Processing and analysing multi-dimensional time resolved photon counting data based on principles of diffuse optics.
- Developing algorithms to categorise the above in specific medical use cases.
- Manufacturing diffuse optical phantoms as a parallel to clinical models.
- Performing rigorous and systematic experiments to characterise optical phantoms.
- Working with optical systems to perform the above.
- Working with time resolved photon counting techniques, specifically SPAD arrays, for measurements in the above.
- Reporting on the above through written summaries for the team, and potential feeding into formal documentation.
- Assisting in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities.
Person Specification: These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.
Essential:
- A degree in physics or engineering or related discipline.
- Direct experience operating optical systems for biological/medical application.
- Experience of experimental data acquisition or experimental system in relevant coding languages (e.g. Matlab/Python).
- Experience of single photon counting techniques.
- A proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis/modelling of the results.
- The ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
- The ability to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with collaborators at other institutions.
Desirable:
- Due to the short term and rapid start requirements, direct experience of diffuse time resolved photon counting experiments and data is highly desirable.
- Extensive experience in CMOS based SPAD array characterisation/optimisation, control and application to biophotonics.
- Diffusion model simulations.
- Diffusive phantom fabrication.
- Demonstrated experience in analysing data from the above.
How to Apply: Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Monday 10th August 2026.
About Heriot-Watt University: At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot-Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing 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.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Research Technician – Biomedical Photonics in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University in Orkney is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of renewable energy. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to impactful research and curriculum development in marine energy technologies. The unique location in Orkney, known for its pioneering work in offshore energy, provides a stimulating backdrop for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician – Biomedical Photonics in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician – Biomedical Photonics in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Heriot-Watt University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Heriot-Watt University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Heriot-Watt University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Heriot-Watt University to drive research projects forward.
