Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, School of Physics

The above full-time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis for 33 months in Physics and Astronomy. This role offers flexible hours.

The post

The School of Physics wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with Prof Nick Stone on a project combining advanced spectroscopic imaging with AI data analysis. This post is part of an EU Horizon Grant (underwritten by the UK Gov) called TROPHY (ulTRafast hOlograPHic FT-IR microscopY) seeking to achieve a paradigm shift in vibrational microscopy. We will work as a consortium to develop the novel microscope technology and seek to combine its use with advanced AI algorithms to enable quantitative concentration imaging of molecular biomarkers with high spatial resolution, high chemical selectivity and high speed, with a transformative impact on medical research and clinics.

The main focus here is to carry out world leading scientific research, aiming to develop new photothermal IR microscopic imaging approaches for application in rapid spectral histopathology. This will involve performing Raman and IR tissue imaging, advanced image analysis and interpretation techniques, and to publish results in high profile scientific journals. We seek a dedicated postdoctoral scientist with experience of biomedical vibrational spectroscopy, with some data analysis skills. There are also prospects for career development, with possibilities to supervise PhD students and contribute to grant proposals.

We work with partners from across Europe (Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the UK) and the role will involve some travel to visit and work with many of them over the period of the project.

The successful applicant will join a vibrant research team, with a range of skills to deliver on these goals. They will focus on vibrational hyperspectral image acquisition using state-of-the-art microscopes and develop analysis, machine learning, chemometrics and multivariate approaches to elucidate the magnitude and origins of pathology driven changes in photothermally acquired IR signals in human tissues. The role will also require the ability to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, and in a written format, and contribute to the preparation of publications and new research proposals.

About you

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD in the physical sciences (or similar). Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in spectroscopy and spectroscopic analysis, image reconstruction, co-registration and segmentation. A background in biomedical spectroscopy, imaging, or in machine learning approaches applied to these applications would be advantageous.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• 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 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 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

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 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), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

For further information please contact Prof Nick Stone, [email protected] or telephone (01392) 726531. 

The closing date for completed applications is 2 January.