Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge's SENSE Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Wearable Sensing, Biomechanics, Signal Processing & Electronics Hardware. The role focuses on translating academic prototypes into clinically deployable wearables for vestibular and balance disorders, with a 12-month contract and potential extension based on funding.

Candidates should have a PhD and multidisciplinary skills in biomechanics, sensing, data analysis and hardware design.

Qualifications

• PhD required or near completion with multidisciplinary expertise.
• Experience in biomechanics, sensing or electronics hardware is essential.
• Ability to design experiments and analyze sensor data.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms to extract clinically meaningful metrics from sensor data.
• Build device testing platforms (web/mobile apps).
• Run experiments to test usability and inform design iterations.
• Design, prototype and test electronic hardware.
• Integrate sensors, electronics, firmware and analysis software.
• Ensure devices meet medical device regulations.

Skills

Biomechanics, sensing & data

IMUs & wearable sensing

Experimental data collection

Signal processing & data processing

Sensor fusion & algorithm validation

Education

PhD in Biomechanics/Biomedical Engineering/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Matlab

Python

PCB design & embedded programming

Job description

The Opportunity

We are seeking individuals with strong academic background and entrepreneurial ambitions to join our academic lab. You would be joining a team focused on translating novel wearable medical devices from academic prototypes to clinical adoption, with home‑based feasibility testing starting in 2027. Our lab is aiming to translate this with a spin‑out in the next 24‑48 months. These devices focus on measuring various body and eye movement metrics, and pair with rehabilitation apps.

Funding has been secured for SENSE Lab to cover a postdoctoral researcher for 12 months, with potential scope for ongoing involvement in a future spin‑out company. Position could be extended dependent on further funding and new project requirements.

The Work Sits At The Intersection Of Algorithm Design, Human Biomechanics, Electronic Engineering And Hardware Development, Driven Strongly By The Lab's Clinical Expertise. Individuals With a Multidisciplinary Skillset And Analytical Background Would Particularly Enjoy The Role At The Cutting Edge Of Academic Research And Development. We Would Be Interested In Applicants With Either Of The Two Following Profiles:

Potential Profile A: Biomechanics, Sensing & Data

1. Human biomechanics, movement science or biomedical engineering
2. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) and wearable sensing
3. Experimental data collection
4. Signal processing and sensor-data processing
5. Sensor fusion, algorithm development or validation

Potential Profile B: Electronics, Instrumentation & Hardware

• PCB design and prototyping
• Microcontrollers and embedded programming
• Electronic and/or material design for biosignal acquisition
• Hardware integration, testing and validation

What You Will be Doing

• Developing algorithms for extracting clinically meaningful metrics from sensor data
• Building device testing platforms (e.g. web, smartphone or tablet-based apps)
• Running experiments to collect data and test device usability, informing future design iterations
• Designing, prototyping and testing electronic hardware
• Integrating sensors, electronics, firmware and analysis software
• Ensuring the devices adhere to medical device regulations

What You Will Join

Successful candidates will work on translating our wearable sensor-based platforms from the lab to clinical adoption. These platforms seek to enhance the treatment of vestibular and balance disorders by providing objective clinical metrics, originating from prior and ongoing research in SENSE Lab. Having established the clinical need and viability, the team's focus has turned towards translating the devices from research prototypes into certified medical devices, ready to enter the market.

Having originated as an academic project, the team is looking to translate this in the near future, as a company, and the successful candidate could potentially be directly involved with the transition from the academic domain to a commercial entity.

Applications are invited for Positions in an academic-based spinout: Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Research Associate, Wearable Sensing, Biomechanics, Signal Processing & Electronic Hardware.

Location: Onsite at Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Contract: 1 year full time

Due to the nature of the project, the fixed-term duration of the post, and the funding available, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. We therefore welcome applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

We recognise the value that international candidates bring to our community and are committed to attracting talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. However, the specific funding and time constraints associated with this post mean that sponsorship is not possible on this occasion.

Appointment at Research Associate level (Grade 7) is dependent upon having been awarded their PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet had their PhD conferred will be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5). Upon award the successful candidate will transfer to a Research Associate position.

Closing Date: 1st November 2026

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Please quote reference RR51415 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

For questions relating to the post, please contact Professor Manohar Bance at [e-mail], or Dr Iwan Roberts at [e-mail].