Research Associate in Microfluidics for Quantum Bio-Sensing

About our Team

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at HeriotWatt University undertakes research across solidstate photonics and quantum technologies engineering coherent lightmatter 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 widebandgap defects (e.g. diamond SiC) 2D materials IIIV quantum dots and rareearth doped crystals. We operate wellequipped laboratories for quantum optics and highresolution laser spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures with RF control of electronic/nuclear spins and facilities for quantumdevice fabrication. QPL collaborates widely across HWU the UK and internationally and contributes to several UK quantum hubs including Q-BIOMED which targets spinbased quantum sensors for biomedical research and early disease detection.

The Quantum BioImaging Group led by Dr Aldona Mzyk focuses on developing quantum bioimaging 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 microfluidic system integrate it with quantum sensing microscope and to validate it on biological samples in collaboration with other team members academic and industrial partners. The project goal is to create an integrated multimodal platform to evaluate cellular metabolism and metabolic plasticity in complex microenvironments. The project is expected to generate highimpact publications and underpin integrated quantumsensing devices for biomedical applications. The post offers technical training secondment opportunities with company and academic collaborators and a tailored careerdevelopment plan.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design fabricate and optimise microfluidic devices for use with advanced optical and quantumsensing instrumentation.

• Integrate microfluidic platforms with the NVbased quantumsensing confocal microscope.

• Develop hardware and mixedsignal electronic control systems for realtime microfluidic actuation manipulation and sorting.

• Develop refine and validate experimental protocols and apply them to biological samples in collaboration with the team.

• Design and execute experiments including data acquisition quantitative analysis and modelling/simulation where appropriate.

• Contribute to IP generation and translational pathways.

• Collaborate effectively across the QPL and with external partners share laboratory equipment responsibly.

• Supervise and mentor PhD and undergraduate researchers in daily lab activities.

• Disseminate results via highquality publications and conference presentations present progress in group and project meetings.

• Maintain high standards of recordkeeping data management and research integrity.

• Support lab operations (maintenance vendor liaison) and contribute to outreach (talks demos public engagement).

Education Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in physics electrical engineering biomedical engineering or related subjects (or expected to be awarded a PhD soon)

• A demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) in:

• Microfluidic system design and fabrication including cleanroom microengineering or softlithography methods.

• Integration of microfluidic devices with optical instrumentation.

• Development of mixedsignal electronics for microfluidic control including optical detection and analogue/digital signal processing.

• Design and implementation of realtime actuation or sorting strategies driven by optical or sensorbased readouts.

• Experience of programming (C++ or Python or MATLAB) for device control data acquisition and analysis.

• Primary author contributions to peer-reviewed journals.

• A record of high-quality publications as appropriate for the stage in career and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.

• Ability to articulate research work both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation

• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative

• Evidence of research ability: problem solving flexibility

• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities

• Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.

• Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks)

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in working with mammalian cells.

• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.

• Evidence of ability subject to opportunity to guide other researchers e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.

• Experience of research-student supervision.

• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.

• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

What We Offer

• A 24month appointment (extendable for 12 months) within a vibrant quantum photonics & bioimaging environment.

• Access to advanced optical/quantum laboratories and 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 04 March 2026

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-WattUniversity 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-WattUniversity 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 also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.