Heriot-Watt University
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Imaging of Metabolic Changes in 3D Models of Immune Cell-Cancer Interactions
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Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Imaging of Metabolic Changes in 3D Models of Immune Cell-Cancer Interactions
Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 24 months with the possibility for extension
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
About our Team
The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at Heriot-Watt University undertakes research across solid-state photonics and quantum technologies, engineering coherent light–matter interactions in advanced quantum structures and devices. QPL (c. 20 members; 7 academic leads: Dr Mzyk, Prof Bonato, Dr Kurdi, Prof Gerardot, Dr Mazzera, Dr Brotons i Gisbert, Dr Bekker) works with platforms including wide-bandgap defects (e.g. diamond, SiC), 2D materials, III–V quantum dots, and rare-earth doped crystals.
We operate well-equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures, with RF control of electronic/nuclear spins and facilities for quantum-device fabrication. QPL collaborates widely across HWU, the UK and internationally, and contributes to several UK quantum hubs, including Q-BIOMED, which targets spin-based quantum sensors for biomedical research and early disease detection.
The Quantum Bio-Imaging Group, led by Dr Aldona Mzyk, focuses on developing quantum bio-imaging tools to study metabolic plasticity from single cells to whole organisms, aiming to translate quantum sensing into pharma R&D and clinical diagnostics.
The Role
We seek a talented, motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop innovative quantum sensing approaches based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in nanodiamonds for monitoring metabolic changes in 3D models of immune cell-cancer interactions. The successful candidate will establish an advanced experimental platform combining quantum biosensing, fluorescence imaging and 3D cell culture models. The project will provide new insights into metabolic heterogeneity during immune cell-cancer interactions and support the development of next-generation quantum technologies for biomedical research, drug discovery, and diagnostics. The position is funded through a £2M UKRI project led by Dr Aldona Mzyk and involves close collaboration with academic and industrial partners in the UK and internationally. The project is expected to generate high impact publications. The post offers technical training, secondment opportunities with company and academic collaborators, and a tailored career development plan.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement quantum sensing methodologies based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in nanodiamonds for monitoring cellular metabolism in biological systems.
- Develop and maintain 2D and 3D models of immune cell-cancer interactions for quantum bio-imaging studies.
- Design and conduct experiments investigating metabolic heterogeneity and cellular responses during immune cell-cancer interactions.
- Apply multimodal imaging approaches, including quantum sensing, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and multiomics to monitor metabolic biomarkers.
- Analyse and interpret experimental data using appropriate quantitative and computational methods and contribute to the development of new analytical workflows.
- Collaborate effectively with academic and industrial project partners across the UK and internationally, including participation in project meetings and research visits.
- Contribute to the preparation of research publications, conference presentations, technical reports, funding applications, and intellectual-property generation where appropriate.
- Supervise and support PhD, MSc and undergraduate students working within the Quantum Bio-Imaging Group.
- Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, health and safety, data management, research integrity and record keeping.
- Contribute to the wider activities of the Quantum Bio-Imaging Group, QPL, Q-BIOMED Hub, and public-engagement activities.
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Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
- PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Cell Biology, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline; or expected to have submitted their PhD thesis before commencing the post.
- Extensive research experience in cancer biology, with a strong understanding of cellular metabolism and the tumour microenvironment.
- Demonstrated expertise in the development, optimisation, and characterisation of 2D and 3D cancer cell models.
- Substantial experience in fluorescence confocal microscopy, including experimental design, data acquisition, quantitative image analysis, and interpretation.
- Hands-on experience using nanoparticles in biological systems, including cellular uptake, functionalisation, delivery, or intracellular sensing applications.
- Understanding of NV-centre-based quantum sensing, with practical experience performing NV nanodiamond measurements in live cells.
- Experience designing and conducting independent research projects, analysing complex datasets, and developing new experimental approaches.
- A strong publication record for career stage, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and substantial contribution to manuscript preparation.
- Evidence of scientific communication through conference presentations, invited talks, seminars, outreach activities, or related public engagement.
- Proven ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands, and deliver research objectives to agreed deadlines.
- Experience supervising undergraduate, MSc, PhD, or research assistant projects.
- Ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment involving physicists, engineers, biologists, and external collaborators.
Desirable Criteria
- Practical experience in flow cytometry, including experimental planning, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
- Evidence of innovation, problem-solving ability, and a strong interest in translational research and technology development.
- Demonstrated desire to become a well-rounded academic, including a vision for the role beyond the direct project e.g. engagement with the local community, contributing to undergraduate student experience, fostering a positive research culture in the group/institute.
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What We Offer
- A 24-month appointment (possible 12-month extension), within a vibrant quantum photonics & bio-imaging environment.
- Access to advanced optical/quantum laboratories, cell culture and microscopy facilities (ESRIC).
- Access to collaborative networks (academic & industrial).
- Training in technical and professional skills, opportunities for secondments.
- A supportive, inclusive culture committed to equality, diversity & inclusion and to researcher development.
- Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.
Applications can be submitted until midnight on Thursday 01 October 2026.
We expect interviews to commence shortly after the closing date.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.
Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
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