Research Fellow in Optical Biomedical Instrumentation Development Full-time

Research Fellow in Optical Biomedical Instrumentation Development

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in Optical Biomedical Instrumentation Development to join the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at University College London (UCL).

The successful candidate will join the internationally renowned Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL) and work within the research programme led by Professor Ilias Tachtsidis, who leads the MultiModal Spectroscopy Group and the MetaboLight Team and is a senior member of BORL. Professor Tachtsidis' research is internationally recognised for pioneering broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (bNIRS), a unique technology capable of non-invasively monitoring tissue oxygenation, haemodynamics and mitochondrial metabolism.

The position is funded through the newly established £50 million Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre of Research Excellence for Human Neural Development, a landmark partnership between King's College London, University College London and the University of Manchester. The Centre aims to transform our understanding of early human brain development through the integration of cutting-edge imaging technologies, experimental neuroscience, computational approaches and clinical research.

This exciting role will focus on the development of next-generation hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technologies for investigating human brain health and development. The post holder will be responsible for the design, development, optimisation and validation of advanced optical instrumentation and associated software platforms for both in vitro and in vivo applications.

The work will involve both hardware and software development activities, including the development of hyperspectral optical instruments, optical system integration, instrument control software, data acquisition tools, signal processing methods and advanced data analytics. The successful candidate will also develop computational models of light transport in biological tissues, including Monte Carlo-based approaches, to support instrument design and optimisation.

The post holder will work closely with engineers, physicists, neuroscientists and clinicians across the Centre and will support the deployment and evaluation of newly developed technologies in laboratory and clinical environments. Research activities will be undertaken in collaboration with clinical teams at King's College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

This post offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of world-leading biomedical optics technologies that have the potential to transform how brain health and development are assessed in infants and children. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team and contribute to research at the forefront of optical neuroimaging and clinical translation.

Experience in hyperspectral optical instrumentation, clinical translation of medical technologies and collaboration with healthcare partners would be advantageous. The post is expected to commence after 1 October 2026 and will be for 5 years.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ilias Tachtsidis, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, UCL (i.tachtsidis@ucl.ac.uk).

This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

About You

Key Requirements: Candidates must hold a PhD in Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience in the development and testing of optical instrumentation and biomedical devices.
• Expertise in biomedical optics, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), diffuse optics, photonics or related areas.
• Experience in scientific software development and programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C/C++, LabVIEW).
• Experience in optical modelling and/or Monte Carlo simulations of light transport in tissue.
• Experience analysing complex physiological or biomedical datasets.
• Evidence of publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of research findings at international conferences.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

What We Offer

Standard UCL Benefits:

• 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
• Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon PhD award. If not yet awarded, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B, with backdating to Grade 7 upon submission of PhD thesis.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy