Higher Scientist - Biomedical Optics

NPL’s Biometrology group is seeking an experienced postdoctoral researcher for a Higher Scientist in Biomedical Optics based in Teddington to plan and deliver a number of technical activities to take our research to the next level. This full‑time position comes with a generous salary and benefits package. The group is a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists and engineers developing innovative materials and methods in response to the challenges of reproducibility, traceability, and comparability in biological R&D. If you have a background in optics for biological imaging or sensing, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Your focus will be on the design, development and application of advanced light microscopy techniques (including multiphoton and super‑resolution fluorescence methods) for analysing the properties of biological systems – from biological macromolecules to multicellular systems. Key application areas include quantum technologies for life sciences and healthcare (e.g., imaging and spectroscopy using entangled photons), opto‑/magnetogenetics, live cell imaging and analysis of complex in‑vitro models. You will also have opportunities to engage with other areas of the group’s activity as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and test advanced optical methods for biological imaging and sensing, using both classical and quantum light.
• Design and perform biological imaging and sensing studies to the highest metrological standards.
• Develop computational methods for visualising and analysing biological image data.
• Work across scientific disciplines with other NPL groups and external collaborators (academia, industry, and international partners) to design and deliver a range of R&D projects.
• Prepare technical reports and disseminate results in the form of scientific papers and conference presentations.
• Work within collaborative teams and closely with colleagues and partners to develop commercial opportunities.

The role is for a highly motivated, collaborative, and collegiate individual who displays initiative, excellent problem‑solving skills, and is committed to personal development as a scientist. With a PhD (or equivalent experience) in biomedical optics, you will have practical skills and experience in the development and use of advanced optical and electronic hardware; practical skills and experience in visualisation, processing and analysis of biological image data; a good understanding of optical imaging techniques for bioanalysis; good written and verbal communication skills; an ability to work as part of a team in a multidisciplinary research environment. Desirable skills and experience include one or more of: quantum optics, optogenetics, multiphoton and advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques. There will be ample opportunities to develop new skills in the group.

Additional responsibilities and expectations

As a Higher Scientist, you’ll be expected to acquire new knowledge to find solutions to advance our research. If commercial opportunities arise from your work, you will work with colleagues to develop new products and services. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers. Other responsibilities will include: sharing your learnings so that we all benefit and mentoring those with less experience than you; developing partnerships to strengthen our capability; acting as an ambassador for our work externally and being willing to promote what we do; providing technical support for any bids we may be undertaking.

In return for your knowledge and expertise, you’ll receive a favourable salary and benefits package. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.