Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Bio-Imaging
Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389)
Contract: Full-Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 24 months
About our Team
The at Heriot‑Watt University undertakes research across solid‑state photonics and quantum technologies, engineering coherent light–matter interactions in advanced quantum structures and devices. QPL (c. 20 members; 7 academic leads: Dr Mzyk, Prof Bonato, Dr Kurdi, Prof Gerardot, Dr Mazzera, Dr Brotons i Gisbert, Dr Bekker) works with platforms including wide‑bandgap defects (e.g. diamond, SiC), 2D materials, III–V quantum dots, and rare‑earth doped crystals. We operate well‑equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high‑resolution laser spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures, with RF control of electronic/nuclear spins and facilities for quantum‑device fabrication. QPL collaborates widely across HWU, the UK and internationally, and contributes to several UK quantum hubs, including, which targets spin‑based quantum sensors for biomedical research and early disease detection.
The, led by Dr Aldona Mzyk, focuses on developing quantum bio‑imaging tools to study metabolic plasticity from single cells to whole organisms, aiming to translate quantum sensing into pharma R&D and clinical diagnostics.
The Role
We seek a talented, motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop a confocal microscope integrating stimulated Raman imaging with NV-based quantum sensing, and to validate it on biological samples in collaboration with other team members, academic and industrial partners. The scientific goal is to create an integrated, multimodal platform combining quantum sensing, optical spectroscopy and microfluidics to evaluate cellular metabolism and metabolic plasticity in complex microenvironments (e.g. immune–tissue interactions). The project is expected to generate high impact publications and underpin integrated quantum sensing devices for biomedical applications. The post offers technical training, secondment opportunities with company and academic collaborators, and a tailored career development plan.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
1. Build and optimise a confocal microscope integrating stimulated Raman imaging with NV‑based quantum sensing.
2. Develop and validate multi‑modal quantum‑sensing protocols (optical/spin readout) and apply them to biological samples.
3. Design experiments, acquire and analyse data, perform modelling/simulation as required.
4. Contribute to IP generation and translational pathways.
5. Collaborate effectively across the QPL and with external partners, share laboratory equipment responsibly.
6. Supervise and mentor PhD and undergraduate researchers in daily lab activities.
7. Disseminate results via high‑quality publications and conference presentations, present progress in group and project meetings.
8. Maintain high standards of record‑keeping, data management and research integrity.
9. Support lab operations (maintenance, vendor liaison) and contribute to outreach (talks, demos, public engagement).
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
10. A PhD in physics, electrical engineering or related subjects (or expected to be awarded a PhD soon)
11. Strong understanding of optics, solid‑state physics and quantum mechanics, expertise in time resolved and ultrafast spectroscopy
12. A demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) of:
13. Developing complex optical instrumentation, e.g. quantum‑sensing microscopes or ultrafast/nonlinear imaging systems.
14. Primary author contributions to peer-reviewed journals.
15. Experience of programming (Python or MATLAB) for device control, data acquisition and analysis.
16. A record of high-quality publications as leading author, as appropriate for the stage in career, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
17. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation
18. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative
19. Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility
20. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities
21. Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
22. Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks)
Desirable Criteria
23. Experience in working with mammalian cells.
24. Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
25. Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
26. Experience of research-student supervision.
27. Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
28. Energy and enthusiasm for the project.
What We Offer
29. A 24‑month appointment (possible 12-month extension), within a vibrant quantum photonics & bio‑imaging environment.
30. Access to advanced optical/quantum laboratories and collaborative networks (academic & industrial).
31. Training in technical and professional skills, opportunities for secondments.
32. A supportive, inclusive culture committed to equality, diversity & inclusion and to researcher development.
33. Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.