Quantum Microfluidics Research Associate

Heriot-Watt University

City of Edinburgh

On-site

GBP 38,000 - 47,000

Full time

13 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

9 buildings closed days

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh invites a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop microfluidic systems and integrate them with a quantum sensing microscope. The project aims to validate approaches on biological samples and to create a multimodal platform for studying cellular metabolism within complex microenvironments.

The role includes training, secondments, and opportunities for career development.

Qualifications

PhD in physics, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering or related field (or expected soon).
Track record during PhD or postdoc in microfluidic design/fabrication and integration with optical instruments.
Development of mixed-signal electronics for microfluidic control and optical readouts.
Real-time actuation or sorting strategies driven by optical or sensor readouts.
Experience programming for device control, data acquisition and analysis.
Primary author contributions to peer-reviewed journals.
Strong publication record and ability to write scientific papers.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to work independently and progress research.
Experience in presenting results publicly.

Responsibilities

Design, fabricate, and optimise microfluidic devices for use with advanced optical and quantum-sensing instrumentation.
Integrate microfluidic platforms with the NV-based quantum-sensing confocal microscope.
Develop hardware and mixed-signal electronic control systems for real-time microfluidic actuation, manipulation, and sorting.
Develop, refine, and validate experimental protocols and apply them to biological samples in collaboration with the team.
Design and execute experiments, including data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and modelling/simulation where appropriate.
Contribute to IP generation and translational pathways.
Collaborate across the QPL and with external partners; supervise PhD and undergraduate researchers.
Disseminate results via publications and conference presentations.
Maintain data management and research integrity; support lab operations and outreach.