Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Imaging of Metabolic Changes in 3D Models of Immune Cell-Cancer Interactions

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 - £47,389per annum

Contract Type:Full Time (1

FTE), Fixed Term for 24 months with the possibility for extension

Holiday Entitlement:33 days annual leaveplus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

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 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 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 post offers technical training, secondment opportunities with company and academic collaborators, and a tailored career development plan.

• 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.