Job Description

About us

Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory

The Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL) within the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at UCL is internationally recognized for developing optical methods for biological applications, including NIRS, optical imaging and photo-acoustic. The laboratory has a substantial skill base in physics, engineering, mathematical modelling and the development of optical systems. A significant strength of the BORL is the translation of laboratory-based research into reliable and robust systems which are being used to address a wide range of basic science and clinical questions. This job will be within Prof. Tachtsidis MultiModal Spectroscopy group within BORL, one of the largest groups in NIRS technology development and application in the UK. The group uses an iterative approach to instrumentation and algorithm development, laboratory-based validation, mathematical modelling and appropriately-timed human studies. Prof. Tachtsidis and his team have a long track record of developing innovative optical systems to monitor and image both the oxygenation and metabolic status of the brain in neonates and adults. Prof. Tachtsidis group have a long standing collaboration with University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and lead a highly engaging outreach team and public engagement activities group called MetaboLight (www.metabolight.org).

The UCL Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

We are the largest academic Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering department in the UK. Our focus is on excellent academic research in identifying new technologies and methods for diagnosis, treatment and management of medical conditions and diseases using a variety of methods to include medical imaging, physiological monitoring and the development of implanted devices. Internationally-leading research within the department includes areas of advanced radiotherapy, biomedical optics, biomedical ultrasound, electrical impedance tomography, interventional devices, magnetic resonance imaging, medical image computing, and radiation physics. The Department currently has a vibrant community of around 120 registered doctoral students, and a very substantial portfolio of external grant funding from research councils, charities, and industry. More information on the department\xe2\x80\x99s research and teaching activities can be found at:

About the role

The post holder will join the programme of instrumentation, optical sensing devices development, computational modelling and software development for data analytics within Prof. Tachtsidis group. This job will focus on the new development needed for an exciting and innovative project recently awarded by Wellcome Leap, led by Dr Subhabrata Mitra in UCL EGA Institute for Women\xe2\x80\x99s Health and co-led by Prof Ilias Tachtsidis. The work will involve development of optical Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) instrumentation, modelling of light tissue diffusion and software development for system operation and data analytics. The research focus will be in (i)the development of NIRS methods and instrumentation in the neonatal unit to monitor maternal, foetal and newborn health; (ii)implementation and use of light tissue diffusion models based on Monte Carlo approaches to explore concepts such as light depth penetration and develop virtual NIRS instruments; (iii)implementation of data analytics to inform and support translation of data to clinical information; and (iv)support in the laboratory and in the hospital testing.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To undertake biomedical optics research, instrumentation and software development as stated in the Main Role Description.
• To prepare and present technical developments and reports to colleagues, interested parties and at appropriate conferences.
• To contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals, and of drafting research bids and proposals.
• To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required.
• To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students as requested.
• To contribute to activities which promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• To carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job.

This is a fixed-term role for 12 months until 30/09/2024 in the first instance on the basis of a 1st October 2023 start date. We expect the project to continue until 30-Sep-26, if the required milestones are achieved. Appointment is at Grade 8, \xc2\xa348,614 to \xc2\xa349,937 per annum including London Allowance (dependent on meeting the specific essential criteria for Grade 8 as listed in the person specification) OR Grade 7, \xc2\xa339,508 to \xc2\xa347,355 per annum including London Allowance

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD, or if about to submit a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (\xc2\xa335,702 - \xc2\xa337,548 per annum inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis

The advert will close on 13 October 2023 at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended.

For more information about this role, please contact

About you

The ideal candidate should have a PhD or equivalent experience in engineering, physics or a related subject; Knowledge of Biomedical Optics and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.; Experience in the development of optical instrumentation.; Experience in software development for system operation and analytics.; Experience in programming (such as MatLab, LabView, C++, Python); Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles. For further information see the person specification Your application should include a CV and a Cover Letter: In the Cover Letter please evidence how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification part of the . Please upload this in the attachments section of the application form. By including a Cover Letter, you can leave blank the \'Why you have applied for this role\' field in the online application form, which is limited in the number of characters it will allow.)

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: \xe2\x80\xa2 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) \xe2\x80\xa2 Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) \xe2\x80\xa2 Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan \xe2\x80\xa2 On-Site nursery \xe2\x80\xa2 On-site gym \xe2\x80\xa2 Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay \xe2\x80\xa2 Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service \xe2\x80\xa2 Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London\xe2\x80\x99s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world\xe2\x80\x99s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL\xe2\x80\x99s workforce.

Available documents

University College London