Post Doctoral Research Associate: Custom Optical Microscopy Development (Fixed Term)

CamWebDir; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop custom optics integrated with microfluidic ultra-high-throughput screening for label-free screening of phase separation in novel inorganic-protein hybrids.

The successful candidate will design, build and maintain microscopes with polarisation-resolved and fluorescence optics, work with PhaseScan and cell-free expression platforms, and contribute to supervising PhD and Master’s students.

Qualifications

• PhD (or about to obtain) in a relevant field such as Optical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline.
• Experience building and characterising bespoke optical microscopes with integrated optical components.
• Knowledge of polarisation optics and fluorescence optics including filter sets and dichroics.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble and maintain microscopes integrating polarisation-resolved and fluorescence optics with microfluidic screening platforms.
• Collaborate with partners to extend uHTS to de novo inorganic-protein composites; utilise PhaseScan and cell-free expression platforms.
• Contribute to supervision of PhD and Master’s students and maintain group instruments.

Skills

Bespoke optical microscope design

Polarisation optics

Fluorescence optics

Education

PhD in Optical Engineering/Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science or related

Tools

PhaseScan

Job description

# Post Doctoral Research Associate: Custom Optical Microscopy Development (Fixed Term)UUniversity of CambridgeCB2 1TNvia University of CambridgePosted 24 Sep 2026Apply on cam.ac.uk →Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance, if project milestone targets are met at 18 months, a further 18 months of funding will be allocated.Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to develop custom optics integrated with microfluidic ultra-high-throughput screening (uHTS) for label free screening of phase separation in de novo designed inorganic-protein hybrid materials. Techniques developed include polarised optical microscopy (POM), fluorescence microscopy, and darkfield microscopy, coupled to droplet microfluidics for screening for libraries of 10K to >1M samples. Scientific objectives are to map the phase space of ordered inorganic hybrid materials. Screens will explore the multidimensional parameter sampling of reaction conditions and libraries of de novo inorganic-templating interfaces. The PDRA will be hosted in the group of Professor Knowles in the Department of Chemistry at Cambridge University, funded by an Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) international consortium.The PDRA will be responsible for designing, assembling, and maintaining microscopes which integrate polarisation-resolved and fluorescence optics with existing custom microfluidic droplet screening platforms including PhaseScan and cell free expression. Training in microfluidics will be provided. The Knowles group brings expertise in droplet-based screening, soft matter physics, biophysics, and phase separation, and the post holder is not expected to arrive with that background. Consortium partners bring expertise in de novo protein design and high-throughput inorganic synthesis. Collaborating closely with these partners, the PDRA will design, build, and utilise systems to enable uHTS to be extended to de novo designed inorganic-protein composites, identifying and optimising conditions which produce functional hybrid materials.Further duties include contributing to the supervision of PhD and Master's students and assisting with the maintenance of the group's custom instruments.Candidate requirements:• Demonstrated experience of building a bespoke optical microscope from individual components, including optical design, sourcing, assembly, alignment and characterisation of performance. Applicants must describe at least one instrument they have built and their specific personal contribution to it.• A PhD (or be about to obtain) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Mineralogy, or a related discipline.The ideal candidate will possess:• Experience studying the synthesis and/or characterisation of crystalline inorganic materials.• A sound understanding of polarisation optics (e.g. Jones/Mueller calculus) and practical experience of polariser/analyser alignment.• Knowledge of fluorescence optics, including excitation/emission filtering and the selection of dichroics and filter sets.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Echo Wu via email on [e-mail] quote reference MA50992 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.