Postdoctoral Research Associate - Optical Elastography

ABG - Association Bernard Gregory; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance optical elastography technologies that measure the mechanical properties of living cells, organoids and tissues. You will translate a new quantitative imaging approach into practical and commercial applications in collaboration with the PI and Research Assistant.

You will develop experimental research plans, apply computational analyses, and contribute to publications, IP activities and translational funding

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in optics, biomedical optics or related field.
• Experience with optical interferometry or quantitative phase imaging.
• Ability to analyse data with custom scripts and software.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical elastography technologies based on light to measure mechanical properties of cells, organoids and tissues.
• Plan and deliver experimental research using optical interferometry and quantitative phase imaging.
• Develop and apply custom scripts for data analysis and support prototype validation.
• Collaborate with PI and Research Assistant; contribute to publications and knowledge exchange.

Skills

Optical interferometry

Quantitative phase imaging

Data analysis with scripts

Communication skills

Education

PhD in optics or biomedical optics

Tools

Custom scripting (MATLAB/Python)

Job description

Organisation/Company The University of Edinburgh Research Field Engineering Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 21 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Develop next-generation optical technologies for mapping the mechanical properties of living cells and tissues.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop optical elastography technologies that use light to measure the mechanical properties of cells, organoids and tissues. Building on our group’s advances in optical coherence elastography, you will help translate a new quantitative imaging approach towards practical and commercial applications.

Working with the Principal Investigator and Research Assistant, you will plan and deliver experimental research in optical elastography using optical interferometry, quantitative phase imaging and computational methods. You will develop and apply custom scripts for data analysis, support prototype integration and validation, and provide day-to-day guidance to the Research Assistant.

You will contribute to publications, conference presentations and knowledge exchange, while engaging with academic and industry partners to test and refine the technology. You will also help identify new research opportunities and support intellectual property, licensing, commercialisation and translational funding activities.

You should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in optics, biomedical optics or a related discipline, or have equivalent professional experience. You will bring research expertise in optical interferometry or quantitative phase imaging, experience of analysing data using custom computational scripts, and strong communication and collaborative skills. Experience in digital holography, optical physics, elastography, prototyping, optomechanics or piezoelectric systems would be advantageous.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

We are looking for a collaborative and adaptable researcher with expertise in optical interferometry, quantitative phase imaging or a closely related field. You will have experience applying relevant experimental models, analytical techniques and research methods, together with a strong track record of delivering high-quality research.

You should be confident in analysing and interpreting research data using custom computational scripts, particularly for quantitative microscopy or related imaging applications. You will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing clear, high-quality reports on research methods and findings.

You will work effectively with colleagues and external partners, anticipate potential issues and take a proactive approach to resolving technical and research challenges. You should also be able to contribute to knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and wider research-impact activities.

Applicants should hold a relevant degree and normally a PhD in optics, biomedical optics or a related discipline, or have equivalent professional qualifications and experience. Relevant postgraduate research and/or teaching experience is also expected.

Experience or knowledge in any of the following areas would be advantageous:

Digital holography

Optical physics

Optical interferometry

Elastography

Optomechanics

Prototyping

Piezoelectric devices or systems

About the role

The role involves close collaboration with academic and industry partners. This will include travel to partner sites to demonstrate, test and refine the prototype, incorporating feedback from stakeholders into its ongoing development.

You will also support the commercialisation of the technology by assessing user needs, engaging with potential partners, and contributing to intellectual-property, licensing and translational-funding activities.

The postholder will work closely with a Research Assistant and provide day-to-day supervision, technical guidance and research support as required.