Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
The above full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from 2nd January 2026 until 31st December 2028 on a fixed-term basis, within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.
The post
Are you ready to push the frontiers of science at the interface between biology, biophotonics, andartificial intelligence?
We’ve recently been awarded funding to develop a novel chemical imaging platform capable of mapping plant biochemistry at the subcellular scale and we’re looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to help us deliver it.
By combining coherent Raman scattering with machine-learning models trained on plant mutants, the project will shed new light on the cellular-level biochemistry that governs plant growth, development, and stress responses.
This is a unique chance to contribute to a world-first imaging technology that bridges the gap between traditional microscopy and the ‘omics’ technologies, with exciting potential across plant biology and beyond.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
We’re looking for a highly motivated scientist with:
1. A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.
2. Proven expertise in Raman/IR spectroscopy & machine learning classification.
3. Ideally, experience in nonlinear optical spectroscopy, i.e. coherent Raman scattering, but this is not essential.
4. Curiosity, creativity, and drive to break new ground in interdisciplinary science.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s build something transformative together.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you
5. Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
6. Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
7. An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
8. Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
9. A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
10. A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.