Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ultrafast Quantum-Enabled Immune Screening

Role Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ultrafast Quantum-Enabled Immune Screening

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £38,448 - £48,337 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed term for 24 months

Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. 

About our Team   

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at Heriot‑Watt University undertakes research across solid‑state photonics and quantum technologies, engineering coherent light–matter interactions in advanced quantum structures and devices. QPL (c. 20 members; 7 academic leads: Dr Mzyk, Prof Bonato, Dr Kurdi, Prof Gerardot, Dr Mazzera, Dr Brotons i Gisbert, Dr Bekker) works with platforms including wide‑bandgap defects (e.g. diamond, SiC), 2D materials, III–V quantum dots, and rare‑earth doped crystals. We operate well‑equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high‑resolution laser spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures, with RF control of electronic/nuclear spins and facilities for quantum‑device fabrication. QPL collaborates widely across HWU, the UK and internationally, and contributes to several UK quantum hubs, including Q-BIOMED, which targets spin‑based quantum sensors for biomedical research and early disease detection. 

This position is in the joint project between two QPL research groups: Quantum Bio‑Imaging Group, led by Dr Aldona Mzyk that focuses on developing quantum bio‑imaging tools to study metabolic plasticity from single cells to whole organisms, aiming to translate quantum sensing into pharma R&D and clinical diagnostics and Spin-QTech Team, led by Prof. Cristian Bonato that focuses on engineering novel AI-optimized spin-based quantum sensors. 

The Role 

We seek a talented, motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop a multimodal quantum sensing microscope, integrating NV based quantum sensing with other imaging modalities and to validate it on biological samples in collaboration with other team members, academic and industrial partners.  

The project is expected to generate high impact publications and underpin integrated quantum sensing devices for biomedical applications. The post offers technical training, secondment opportunities with company and academic collaborators, and a tailored career development plan. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

• Develop a multimodal quantum sensing microscope. 
• Develop and validate quantum‑sensing protocols (optical/spin readout) and apply them to biological samples. 
• Design experiments, acquire and analyse data, perform modelling/simulation as required. 
• Contribute to IP generation and translational pathways. 
• Collaborate effectively across the QPL and with external partners, share laboratory equipment responsibly. 
• Supervise and mentor PhD and undergraduate researchers in daily lab activities. 
• Disseminate results via high‑quality publications and conference presentations, present progress in group and project meetings. 
• Maintain high standards of record‑keeping, data management and research integrity. 
• Support lab operations (maintenance, vendor liaison) and contribute to outreach (talks, demos, public engagement). 
• Contribute to the wider activities of the Quantum Bio-Imaging Group, QPL, Q-BIOMED Hub. 

 Education, Qualifications and Experience  

Essential Criteria 

1. PhD (or equivalent research experience) in physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline; or expected to have submitted their PhD thesis before commencing the post. 
2. Strong understanding of optics, solid‑state physics and quantum mechanics, preferred hands-on experience with SPAD arrays. 
3. Experience of programming (C++ or Python or MATLAB) for device control, data acquisition and analysis. 
4. Experience designing and conducting independent research projects, analysing complex datasets, and developing new experimental approaches. 
5. A strong publication record for career stage, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and substantial contribution to manuscript preparation. 
6. Evidence of scientific communication through conference presentations, invited talks, seminars, outreach activities, or related public engagement. 
7. Proven ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands, and deliver research objectives to agreed deadlines. 
8. Experience supervising undergraduate, MSc, PhD, or research assistant projects. 
9. Ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment involving physicists, engineers and external collaborators. 

Desirable Criteria 

1. Experience in working with mammalian cells. 
2. Experience in the AI optimization of measurements. 
3. Evidence of innovation, problem-solving ability, and a strong interest in translational research and technology development. 
4. Demonstrated desire to become a well-rounded academic or entrepreneur, including a vision for the role beyond the direct project e.g. engagement with the local community, contributing to undergraduate student experience, fostering a positive research culture in the group/institute.  

 What We Offer 

• A 24‑month appointment, within a vibrant quantum photonics & bio‑imaging environment. 
• Access to advanced optical/quantum laboratories and collaborative networks (academic & industrial). 
• Training in technical and professional skills, opportunities for secondments. 
• A supportive, inclusive culture committed to equality, diversity & inclusion and to researcher development. 
• Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff. 

How to Apply 

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV  

Applications can be submitted until midnight on Tuesday 20^th October 2026.

We anticipate that shortlisting and interviews will take place within one to two weeks after the application deadline.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly. 

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools during the application process and are comfortable with AI being used as a supporting aid. However, we want to hear from you, not AI. 

Your application should be an authentic representation of your skills, experience and achievements. Applications that appear to have been fully generated by AI may not accurately reflect your suitability for the role and are therefore discouraged. 

At interview, candidates will be expected to discuss and provide evidence of the experience, skills and examples included in their application. 

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. 

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. 

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. 

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ . 

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.