Research Fellow in Optical Imaging of the Infant Brain(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Department
UCL’s Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering is one of the UK’s largest and longest-established centres dedicated to healthcare engineering. The department brings together experts from physics, electronic engineering, computer science, mathematics, medicine, chemistry, and biology, creating a uniquely collaborative environment.
A defining feature of the department is its strong emphasis on clinical translation. Close partnerships with leading NHS hospitals across London and the UK ensure that research outputs are rapidly developed into technologies that can improve patient care and clinical decision-making. Alongside research excellence, the department delivers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
About the Research Environment
The department hosts the Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL), the largest academic biomedical optics group in Europe. BORL is internationally recognised for developing advanced optical systems for medical diagnostics and imaging.
Through a collaboration between BORL researchers and clinicians at the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, the team has secured funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to develop a novel optical approach for detecting and assessing brain injury in newborn infants.
This role has been created to support that programme and contribute directly to innovations that could transform neonatal care.
About the Role
We are seeking a postdoctoral electronic engineer or physicist to join a multidisciplinary team recognised globally for its leadership in optical imaging of the infant brain.
The postholder will take a leading role in the design, construction, and evaluation of a next-generation optical imaging system for use in neonatal intensive care units. This will include responsibility for both hardware development and associated software for system control, data processing, and image visualisation.
Working closely with clinicians, the Research Fellow will support the ethical testing of the system on adult volunteers and newborn infants, contributing to the translation of cutting-edge technology into real-world clinical practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and assembling novel opto-electronic imaging hardware
- Developing software for system control, calibration, data processing, and image display
- Evaluating system performance using tissue-mimicking phantoms and human volunteers
- Supporting ethically approved imaging studies with newborn infants
- Preparing research outputs for peer-reviewed journals and international conferences
- Contributing to the wider activities of the research group and department
About You
You will be an enthusiastic and technically strong researcher with a passion for applying engineering or physics to healthcare challenges. You will have:
- A PhD in electronic engineering, physics, or a closely related discipline
- Experience designing, assembling, and testing electronic systems
- Familiarity with optical imaging principles and technologies
- Skills in data processing, software development, and computer-aided design
- A track record (or emerging record) of scientific publication
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with clinical and external partners
- A professional and ethical approach when working in healthcare environments
Appointment and Funding
This is a Grade 7 Research Fellow appointment with funding available for up to three years. The post is based on-site due to the clinical and laboratory nature of the work.
Visas and International Applicants
This role meets UK Visas and Immigration eligibility criteria. UCL welcomes applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship.
Global Talent visa (research route)
What We Offer
UCL offers an excellent employment package designed to support professional development and wellbeing, including:
- 41 days of leave (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ leave
- CARE defined-benefit pension scheme
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions - Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan and relocation support (where applicable)
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Employee Assistance Programme (Staff Support Service)
- Discounted medical insurance
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
UCL is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone can thrive. We value diversity of experience and perspective and actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academia, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A CV
- A Cover Letter explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification
Please upload your cover letter in the designated section of the application form. If you include a cover letter, you may leave blank the short “Why you have applied for this role” field.
