Research Fellow - Single Molecule Biosensing

Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottingham Trent University is seeking a Research Fellow in Single Molecule Biosensing to join an interdisciplinary team at the interface of nanotechnology, biophysics and single-molecule sensing. The role focuses on designing and applying nanopore- and optical-based platforms to study proteins in native environments.

You will lead hands-on experiments, data acquisition and quantitative analysis, contributing to publications and collaborating with colleagues, PhD students and external partners.

Qualifications

• Motivated researcher with a background in physics, engineering, chemistry or related discipline.
• Experience or strong interest in nanopores, single-molecule biophysics, or advanced optical/electrical measurements.
• Hands-on role in experimental design, data acquisition and quantitative analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and apply nanopore- and optical-based platforms to study biomolecular processes at the single-molecule level.
• Perform experiments, collect data and contribute to high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with academic colleagues, PhD students and external partners.
• Help shape the scientific direction of the project and interpret complex data.

Skills

Nanopore sensing

Single-molecule biophysics

Nanofabrication

Optical measurements

Education

Physics, Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Nanofabrication tools

Job description

Diverse community. Inclusive Research. Rewarding Careers.

Doing things differently.

Research Fellow in Single Molecule Biosensing

£33,045 - £38,026 (pro rata)

Full time 37 hours per week

Fixed term 24 months

About the Role

You will join an interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of nanotechnology, biophysics, and single-molecule sensing. In this role, you will design, develop, and apply nanopore- and optical-based platforms to study biomolecular processes at the single-molecule level, with a focus on proteins in native environments.

You will take a hands‑on role in experimental design, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis, contributing directly to high-quality publications and research outputs. You will work closely with academic colleagues, PhD students, and external collaborators, and you will have opportunities to help shape the scientific direction of the project.

This is a role for someone who enjoys building experiments, solving problems, and interpreting complex data. You might be running single‑molecule measurements the next, and analysing stochastic signals or writing a paper the next day. We are looking for a motivated researcher with a background in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline, and experience (or strong interest) in areas such as nanopores, single‑molecule biophysics, nanofabrication, or advanced optical/electrical measurements.

Interviews: w/c 21st Sept 2026

You don’t need to meet every requirement to apply. We value curiosity, initiative, and a collaborative mindset, and we are committed to supporting flexible working patterns and diverse career paths. If you can see yourself growing in this role, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.

We pride ourselves on delivering high‑quality teaching and diverse, real‑world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.

In the Department of Engineering we deliver research and teaching in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and sport engineering. We are building a global reputation in areas including human performance and human factors, future materials, biomedical engineering, and robotics. We are working with industrial partners in technology, automotive, aircraft, marine, healthcare engineering, and with sports teams to help them beat world records.

For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Cuifeng Ying (Senior Lecturer) at [e-mail].

Join Us

We can offer you a career with a difference, as together we shape futures, change lives and create the university of the future.

Doing things differently, we empower our people to shape, create and innovate. Whether they’re pushing the boundaries with award‑winning research, transforming society through global collaborations or supporting and helping our students to achieve their potential. Find out more about the range of benefits we offer.

Join our friendly and diverse community of 4,000 professionals, academics and researchers, and you’ll enjoy the support and ownership you need to perform at your best. A great place to work, we value, respect and care for all our colleagues, providing flexible and competitive rewards and genuine opportunities for career progression. So, take on an exciting new challenge with an ambitious university where progress never stops.

Safe & Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points‑based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. For more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.