Research Fellow in Development of Quantitative Microscopy (111279-0126) in Coventry

The successful candidate will join the laboratory of Professor Satyajit Mayor at the Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School. The candidate will build a microscopy setup from scratch, including planning and assembling an optical system, developing software to control all components such as stages and cameras, integrating them into a single GUI, and creating quantitative image analysis routines. The technique will be applied to study cultured neurons.

For informal queries, please contact Professor Satyajit Mayor at Satyajit.Mayor@warwick.ac.uk.

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in physics or engineering with a focus on optics.
• Experience with the design, modification, bring-up and operation of bespoke microscopy setups.
• Good experience in modelling and simulation of optical systems.
• Good experience in Python software development for simulation, quantitative imaging analysis, control of optical setups and GUIs for their operation.
• Experience with quality control and optimisation of clean room protocols for microscopy sample fabrication.
• Good experience in neuronal culture and imaging.

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

We offer an outstanding interdisciplinary environment for discovery science in one of the best universities in the UK. The Centre of Mechanochemical Cell Biology at the University of Warwick seeks to understand the principles of cellular self-organisation with a focus on the role of mechanics in processes that enable cell duplication, movement, repair and membrane organisation. The centre is home to 19 principal investigators with backgrounds in cell biology, computer science and physics. It is housed in the Mechanochemical Cell Biology building with state-of-the-art imaging facilities. The post holder will also join the Biomedical Sciences Directorate at the Warwick Medical School (BMS). Areas of research excellence in BMS focus on quantitative molecular, cell and developmental biology, host-pathogen interactions and human reproduction.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 8th February 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time). To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description.

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

Interview Date: To be confirmed. Start Date: 2nd March 2026.

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55. Only applications submitted via our official careers portal will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here. We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.