Postdoctoral Research Associate - Optical Elastography

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students performance and wellbeing.

Develop next-generation optical technologies for mapping the mechanical properties of living cells and tissues.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop optical elastography technologies that use light to measure the mechanical properties of cells, organoids and tissues. Building on our group’s advances in optical coherence elastography, you will help translate a new quantitative imaging approach towards practical and commercial applications.

Working with the Principal Investigator and Research Assistant, you will plan and deliver experimental research in optical elastography using optical interferometry, quantitative phase imaging and computational methods. You will develop and apply custom scripts for data analysis, support prototype integration and validation, and provide day-to-day guidance to the Research Assistant.

You will contribute to publications, conference presentations and knowledge exchange, while engaging with academic and industry partners to test and refine the technology. You will also help identify new research opportunities and support intellectual property, licensing, commercialisation and translational funding activities.

You should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in optics, biomedical optics or a related discipline, or have equivalent professional experience. You will bring research expertise in optical interferometry or quantitative phase imaging, experience of analysing data using custom computational scripts, and strong communication and collaborative skills. Experience in digital holography, optical physics, elastography, prototyping, optomechanics or piezoelectric systems would be advantageous.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

We are looking for a collaborative and adaptable researcher with expertise in optical interferometry, quantitative phase imaging or a closely related field. You will have experience applying relevant experimental models, analytical techniques and research methods, together with a strong track record of delivering high-quality research.

You should be confident in analysing and interpreting research data using custom computational scripts, particularly for quantitative microscopy or related imaging applications. You will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing clear, high-quality reports on research methods and findings.

You will work effectively with colleagues and external partners, anticipate potential issues and take a proactive approach to resolving technical and research challenges. You should also be able to contribute to knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and wider research-impact activities.

Applicants should hold a relevant degree and normally a PhD in optics, biomedical optics or a related discipline, or have equivalent professional qualifications and experience. Relevant postgraduate research and/or teaching experience is also expected.

Experience or knowledge in any of the following areas would be advantageous:

Digital holography

Optical physics

Optical interferometry

Elastography

Optomechanics

Prototyping

Piezoelectric devices or systems

About the role

The role involves close collaboration with academic and industry partners. This will include travel to partner sites to demonstrate, test and refine the prototype, incorporating feedback from stakeholders into its ongoing development.

You will also support the commercialisation of the technology by assessing user needs, engaging with potential partners, and contributing to intellectual-property, licensing and translational-funding activities.

The postholder will work closely with a Research Assistant and provide day-to-day supervision, technical guidance and research support as required.