Quantum Imaging Postdoc: NV Sensing Metabolism 3D Cancer

Heriot-Watt University

Easter Howgate

On-site

GBP 38,000 - 47,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Secondments to industry and academia

Career development plan

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop quantum sensing methods based on NV centers in nanodiamonds for monitoring metabolic changes in 3D models of immune cell‑cancer interactions. You will establish an advanced platform combining quantum biosensing, fluorescence imaging and 3D cell culture with collaboration across the UK and internationally.

The role offers training, secondments with industry and academic partners, and a tailored career development plan.

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline.
Extensive cancer biology research with focus on metabolism and tumour microenvironment.
Experience developing 2D/3D cancer cell models.
Fluorescence confocal microscopy: experimental design, data acquisition, analysis.
Nanoparticles in biological systems for sensing applications.
NV-centre-based quantum sensing in live cells.
Ability to design independent research projects and analyse complex datasets.
Strong publication record with first-author papers.
Experience communicating science through talks, posters or outreach.
Experience supervising students and project staff.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

Develop quantum sensing methods using NV centres in nanodiamonds to monitor cellular metabolism.
Develop 2D/3D immune cell‑cancer models for bio-imaging.
Design experiments to study metabolic heterogeneity and cellular responses.
Apply multimodal imaging: quantum sensing, fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry and multiomics.
Analyse data with quantitative and computational methods; develop new workflows.
Collaborate with academic and industrial partners across the UK and internationally.
Contribute to publications, conferences, reports and funding applications.
Supervise PhD, MSc and undergraduate students in the group.
Maintain high standards of lab practice, safety, data management and integrity.
Participate in wider lab activities and public-engagement.