Area Translational Medical Sciences Location University Park Salary £31,387 to £35,116 per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance. Closing Date Thursday 06 November 2025 Reference MED245125 Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow on an NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme-funded project in the Breast Cancer Pathology Research Grou within the Nottingham Breast Cancer Centre based in the Biodiscovery Institute. We are developing a groundbreaking technique based on autofluorescence (AF) imaging and Raman spectroscopy for detection of positive lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery. The instrument will allow surgeons to check the sentinel lymph nodes during the first surgery, while the patient is still in the operating room, and if needed, remove the lymph nodes in the armpit without delay. This will impact on patient care as currently positive lymph nodes are detected by histology, but requires 1-2 weeks, which means patients may need a second surgery for axillary node clearance. In this project, we will build a unique combined system using an optimised AF scanning procedure that integrates Raman measurements to analyse lymph node biopsies within 10 minutes and machine learning algorithms to deliver quantitative diagnosis without destroying the samples. The AF-Raman prototype will be integrated and tested in the operating theatre at the Nottingham Breast Institute. This project is based on a long-term research collaboration between the Breast Pathology Research Group (School of Medicine) with the Biophotonics Group (School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham), Breast Institute (Nottingham University Hospitals), Department of Mathematics (Royal Holloway University of London) and RiverD International. This project is an excellent opportunity for inter-disciplinary training in biomedical applications of Raman spectroscopy, from instrument design and development, clinical integration/validation, to translations (regulatory/commercialisation). We are seeking a motivated researcher to lead the setup and coordination of a clinical study involving a novel AF-Raman instrument. Key responsibilities include developing study protocols, securing ethical approvals, integrating the instrument into clinical workflows, overseeing patient consent and sample preparation, and supporting histopathology and performance evaluation. The role also involves planning a follow-up national study and requires close collaboration with engineering, surgical, and histology teams. We are seeking a candidate with excellent communication and analytical skills, capable of applying advanced research methods and working collaboratively across disciplines. Essential qualifications include a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field, experience with research methodologies, and practical application of specialist techniques. Candidates must also meet baseline security screening and align with the School of Medicine’s values. Desirable attributes include experience with emerging technologies (e.g. spectroscopy or biophotonics) for medical diagnostics, a strong publication record, interdisciplinary collaboration, and data analysis expertise—particularly in diagnostic test accuracy. Prior success in securing external research funding and developing innovative research approaches is also advantageous. We offer a friendly and diverse working environment, generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days, including closure between Christmas and New Year. We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website. This is a full-time position until 31/07/2027. If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role. Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy, please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Andy Green (andrew.green@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.