Research Fellow in Optical Imaging of the Infant Brain(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering
UCL’s Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering is one of the UK’s largest and longest-established academic centres devoted to healthcare engineering. Our multidisciplinary team brings together physicists, engineers, mathematicians, computer scientists, clinicians, chemists, and biologists, working together to develop innovative solutions that can be translated into real-world healthcare applications.
Our department has strong partnerships with leading hospitals across the UK, enabling research to directly impact patient care and clinical practice. We also deliver a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in healthcare engineering and biomedical sciences.
The Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL) is Europe’s largest academic group dedicated to optical imaging in medical diagnostics. In collaboration with the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, BORL researchers have secured an EPSRC grant to explore new optical imaging technologies for assessing brain injury in newborn infants
About the Role
We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral Research Fellow in electronic engineering or physics to join a world-leading team in optical imaging. This role focuses on designing, developing, and evaluating a novel optical imaging system for detecting and assessing neuro-pathologies in newborn infants within a hospital intensive care setting.
You will:
- Lead the design and assembly of opto-electronic imaging hardware
- Develop software for system control, data calibration, and image processing
- Test and evaluate the system on tissue phantoms and adult volunteers
- Support ethically approved imaging studies on newborn infants in collaboration with clinical teams
- Analyse and visualise imaging data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility
- Present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Contribute to departmental research activities and public engagement events
- This role combines engineering, physics, and clinical research, providing a rare opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary and translational environment.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in electronic engineering, physics, or a related discipline
- Experience in designing, assembling, and testing electronic systems
- Knowledge of optical imaging technologies and methodologies
- Strong skills in data processing, software development, and computer-aided design
- Proven track record of scientific publications
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with professionalism in clinical collaborations
Key Attributes
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Willingness to participate in public engagement activities
- Commitment to ethical and reproducible research practices
- Enthusiasm for translational healthcare research
Visa & Immigration
- This role meets eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa for international candidates
- Skilled Worker visa
- Global Talent visa (research)
- All appointments are subject to UK Right to Work checks
Salary & Benefits
UCL provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 41 days’ leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ leave
- Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
- 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 and wellbeing support
- Discounted medical insurance
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
UCL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive research environment where all staff can thrive. Our policies align with the Equality Act 2010
We particularly encourage applications from individuals underrepresented in STEM, including:
- Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds
- Disabled candidates
- LGBTQI+ communities
- Women in research and leadership positions
- The department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality
How to Apply
Applications should include:
- CV detailing relevant experience and publications
- Cover letter explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification
Upload the cover letter in the designated section of the online application form. This allows you to leave the “Why you have applied” field blank if desired.
