Research Fellow in Ultrafast Spectroscopy Full-time

Research Fellow In Ultrafast Spectroscopy

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position within the ultrafast laser spectroscopy group, led by Professor Helen Fielding, at UCL Chemistry. The post is funded by a BBSRC-STFC facility access bioscience partnership grant with an anticipated start date of 1st October 2026. The duration of the post is for 10 months.

The post-holder will focus on studying the photochemical dynamics of light-activated antimicrobials using time-resolved spectroscopy and imaging. Chronic wound infections are a growing healthcare challenge, and current treatment strategies generally employ antibiotics; however, the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diminishes their efficacy. LightOx, an SME based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is developing a novel light-activated antimicrobial molecule that is immune from developing resistance. The aim of this research project is to understand the photochemical mechanism that underpins its activity.

Appointment at grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant grade 6B (salary £39,148 – £41,833 per annum, including London allowance of £5,197 p.a.) with payment at grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

The successful candidate should have a PhD degree (or be close to completion) in chemistry, physics or a relevant discipline, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in science. They should have proven ability (at doctoral level or equivalent) in the following experimental areas: transient absorption spectroscopy of photoactive molecules in solution; operation of ultrafast lasers; processing and analysis of ultrafast spectroscopy data. The successful candidate will be part of the ultrafast laser spectroscopy research team, will contribute to the supervision of students, and will be involved in writing papers, grant applications, as well as disseminating research to various audiences, including at conferences. Experience with quantum chemistry calculations would be an advantage but is not essential.

To apply for the vacancy please click on the 'apply now' button below. Please upload a CV, list of publications and covering letter stating why you are interested in the role and how you meet the criteria.

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Helen Fielding. Any queries on the application process can be directed to hr.chem@ucl.ac.uk, as we wish to encourage online applications.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Hybrid final salary pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: staff support service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit UCL staff rewards and benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

As London's global university, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from black, asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion here: equality diversity & inclusion