Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Biosensors for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Biosensors for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Salary:Grade 7 - £38,448 - £48,337 per annum

Contract:Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term contract for 12 months

Holiday Entitlement:33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days

Purpose of Role

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual to work on the CRUK-funded project: An Electrochemical Liquid Biopsy Tool for Harnessing Extracellular Vesicle Glycoproteins in Breast Cancer Diagnosis, led by Dr. Devadoss. This full-time, 12-month position is supported by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) through CRUK Early Detection and Diagnosis Primer award. The successful appointee will be a motivated researcher with a strong background in electrochemical analysis and bioassay development. They must work closely with the existing research team, international and national collaborators and industry partners.

The overall aim of this feasibility study is to establish a robust evidence base supporting the clinical translation of a minimally invasive diagnostic approach in early breast cancer (BC) diagnosis, through systematic evaluation of the clinical significance of EV-associated Glypican-1, a heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPGs). Therefore, the following specific objectives are proposed:

1. Adapt and develop multiplex graphene electrochemical assays through appropriate functionalization strategies incorporating the nanobodies for sensitive and selective detection of EV-associated HSPGs, including validation of analytical performance (sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility).
2. To demonstrate the real-time electrochemical profiling of EV-associated HSPGs using blood samples from BC patients and appropriate controls.
3. To investigate the association between EV-associated HSPGs profiles and clinical outcomes, including early BC diagnosis, to evaluate their potential as prognostic biomarkers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

• Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary team.
• Design, build, test and validate graphene based electrochemical bioassays for high sensitivity detection of extracellular vesicles.
• Design and implement a sophisticated design of experiments and analyse the results.
• Provide regular updates and progress reports to the project team.
• Carry out the research project to a high standard by:
• Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
• Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports
• Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
• Generate academic output associated with the research activity, such as journal publications or oral presentations to conferences.
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project.
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines.
• Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.
• Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

We will primarily measure the suitability of applicants for this project based on the essential criteria listed.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all essential duties and responsibilities.

The Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3), Heriot-Watt University

The Institute of Biological Chemistry, biophysics and BioEngineering (IB3), at Heriot-Watt encompasses key research areas at the interface between engineering, physical, chemical and life science, spanning topics such as super-resolution ultrasound imaging, nanomaterial and advanced material safety, human health risk assessment, microfluidic isolation of nucleic acids, microfluidic assessment of cell and tissue mechanics, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical sensors, 3-D in vitro model development, bio fabrication and bioprocessing. Our research group, Innovative Nano-biosensors Laboratory, is dedicated to the exploitation of advanced nanomaterials for biosensors application. Here, we selectively engineer the nanomaterials surfaces to enhance the biomolecular attachment and assess the electron transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. We also utilise electroanalytical techniques such as voltammetry and electrochemical impedance analysis to study the electrochemical sensor performance. We have a dedicated sensor testing system capable of measuring up to 16 independent sensor systems, which will be readily available for this project.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential

1. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in chemistry/biology/biomedical engineering or any other relevant disciplines and excellent track record of work in the following fields: experimental electrochemistry, biosensor development, cancer biology.
2. Hands-on experience in electrochemistry and electrochemical sensor development to a very high standard.
3. Evidence of a developing publication record.
4. Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Experience in performing data interpretation and analysis
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a group

About Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt University has established a 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.

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

Applications canbe submitted until midnight on Tuesday 17th November 2026.

Candidates can make informal enquiries about this position to Dr. Anitha Devadoss (a.devadoss@hw.ac.uk).

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly.

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools during the application process and are comfortable with AI being used as a supporting aid. However, we want to hear from you, not AI.

Your application should be an authentic representation of your skills, experience and achievements. Applications that appear to have been fully generated by AI may not accurately reflect your suitability for the role and are therefore discouraged.

At interview, candidates will be expected to discuss and provide evidence of the experience, skills and examples included in their application.

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-WattUniversity 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-WattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

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