Research Fellow in Biomedical Ultrasound(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking a postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Biomedical Ultrasound Group at UCL. You will contribute to cutting-edge, UKRI-funded experimental research on therapeutic ultrasound, including projects on transcranial neuromodulation and ultrasonic rewarming of cryopreserved biological materials. Working within a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Elly Martin, Prof. Ben Cox, and Dr. Harriet Lea‑Banks, you’ll combine technical, experimental, and modelling expertise to help advance this field.

Key Responsibilities

• Ultrasound metrology & measurement: Characterise laboratory and (potentially) clinical ultrasound sources.
• Experimental setup: Build and validate phantoms / test rigs, design experiments, and validate computational models for ultrasound propagation in complex media.
• Metrology development: Design or improve measurement techniques — particularly for challenging scenarios (e.g., high‑intensity or low-frequency fields).
• Material characterisation: Measure acoustic properties of materials; assess secondary effects (e.g., heating).
• Hardware / system development: Contribute to the design or construction of ultrasound hardware and instrumentation.
• Dissemination: Prepare research findings, co-author journal papers, present at conferences, and collaborate with team members.
• Team involvement: Contribute to the broader goals of the Biomedical Ultrasound Group and UCL’s Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering.

Person Specification

Essential:

• PhD (or imminent completion) in Engineering, Physics, Acoustics, or a closely related field — or equivalent experience.
• Solid practical skills in physics / engineering.
• Strong knowledge of acoustics / ultrasound physics, including measurement and metrology.
• Experience working with ultrasound systems and measurement techniques.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Demonstrable publication record (peer-reviewed journals).

Desirable:

• Prior experience in therapeutic ultrasound (neuromodulation, rewarming, etc.).
• Experience in programming (e.g., MATLAB), signal processing, or designing complex experiments.

What We Offer

• Holiday: 41 days per year (27 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 UCL closure days)
• Pension: Defined Benefit (CARE) scheme
• Flexible working: Part-time or job-share options available
• Family support: On-site nursery, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay
• Travel / commuting: Cycle-to-work scheme, season ticket loan
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, on-site gym
• Relocation: Scheme may apply; immigration loan offered

Immigration / Visa Information

This role qualifies for a Skilled Worker Visa (Certificate of Sponsorship will be provided) because UCL is a licensed sponsor. GOV.UK

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research environment. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, including Black, Asian and ethnic-minority researchers; individuals with disabilities; and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. The department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of its efforts toward gender equity.

Application Guidance

To apply, please submit:

• CV
• Cover Letter — Describe how you meet the essential and desirable criteria (as outlined above). (You may leave blank the “Why you applied” field on the form if you attach a detailed cover letter.)