Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multi-disciplinary team to develop advanced computational imaging techniques.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, renowned for innovation and research excellence.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in astronomy and medical imaging with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in computational imaging or related applications.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with potential for career progression and international collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 31900 - 39900 £ per year.
The Biomedical and Astronomical Signal Processing (BASP) laboratory at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh is recruiting a large multi-disciplinary team of postdoctoral researchers for the development of advanced computational imaging techniques and their cutting-edge applications in radio astronomy, space geodesy, and medical imaging. The start date is October 1 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
BASP's ethos is to develop cutting-edge research on all aspects of computational imaging, from theory and algorithms to applications in astronomy and medicine. Multiple positions are open in the context of the £4M research Fellowship TomoGrav awarded by the Royal Society to Dr Kazunori Akiyama in partnership with Professor Yves Wiaux.
TomoGrav ambitions leverage cutting-edge AI to develop a computational imaging algorithm capable of an unprecedented regime of joint precision, robustness, efficiency, and scalability for image formation. The core application is dynamic black hole tomography with radio-interferometric telescope arrays such as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and its proposed space-based Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) extension. The algorithm will be transferred to extreme-scale radio-interferometric imaging applications with SKA, to space-geodetic imaging for Earth reference frame determination, and fast dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in medicine.
The TomoGrav award is supported by 10 world-renowned partners from across the world, whose combined expertise is second to none. The partners will actively participate in the research and host the postdoctoral researchers for secondments.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- The postholders will develop cutting-edge research in computational imaging, each focusing on one or multiple facets of the project, ranging from the development of high-dimensional data models, imaging algorithms, and high-performance software, to their validation in simulation and their extensive use for impactful case studies across the range of TomoGrav's astronomical and medical imaging applications.
- Appointments are initially for 1 year, and renewable for up to 3 years, depending on research progress. The researchers will be encouraged and supported to transition to fellowship positions funded by any of the UK schemes by the end of their third year, aiming to both support progression towards independence and grow the TomoGrav team.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
- We are looking for outstanding candidates with a PhD in astronomy, physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline.
- The candidates will have expertise in computational imaging or in one of TomoGrav's applications: radio interferometry, black hole physics and astrophysics, space geodesy, or MRI.
- Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
- Strong publication record.
- Experience of multi-cultural work environment.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Demonstrated independence in research.
- Experience of PhD student supervision.
Heriot-Watt University has a broad reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry. This position is based within the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences which boasts a well-established international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology.
How to Apply
Formal applications should consist of a single PDF including a motivation letter, CV, publication list, and names of 3 references. The file should be submitted as a single document via the Heriot-Watt Job Portal. Any queries should be sent by email jointly to Dr Akiyama and Prof. Wiaux. Applications should be submitted by midnight on 1 June 2026. Candidate screening will begin in February 2026 and will continue on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
It is expected that the TomoGrav call for applications will renew on a yearly basis up until 2030 and beyond.
TomoGrav Postdoctoral Research Associate Call I: From Black Hole Tomography to Magnetic Resonan[...] in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land TomoGrav Postdoctoral Research Associate Call I: From Black Hole Tomography to Magnetic Resonan[...] in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of computational imaging or related areas. Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to meet potential collaborators and mentors who can help you land that dream postdoc position.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any relevant software or algorithms you've developed. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your responses to common questions. Focus on articulating your research impact and how it aligns with the goals of the TomoGrav project.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application via the Heriot-Watt Job Portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for joining the TomoGrav team.
We think you need these skills to ace TomoGrav Postdoctoral Research Associate Call I: From Black Hole Tomography to Magnetic Resonan[...] in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter: Your motivation letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for computational imaging and how your background aligns with the TomoGrav project. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us why you're the perfect fit.
Showcase Your CV Effectively: When putting together your CV, focus on relevant experience and skills that match the role. Include your PhD details, any publications, and specific projects that demonstrate your expertise in areas like black hole physics or MRI. We want to see what makes you stand out!
List Your References Wisely: Choose references who can vouch for your research capabilities and teamwork skills. Ideally, they should be familiar with your work in computational imaging or related fields. A strong reference can make all the difference in our decision-making process!
Submit Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application as a single PDF via the Heriot-Watt Job Portal. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to double-check your document before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of computational imaging, black hole physics, and the specific applications mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and advancements in these areas, as well as the work being done by the TomoGrav team and their partners.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the role. Highlight any relevant publications or projects, especially those that demonstrate your expertise in high-dimensional data models or imaging algorithms. Be ready to explain your contributions and the impact of your work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the TomoGrav project, the team dynamics, and potential future directions of the research. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working in a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in diverse teams and how you can contribute to a collaborative environment at BASP.
