Ref Number
B04-07598
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
UCL BEAMS (B04)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£52,586
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
26-Jul-2026
Professor John Morton’s group at the London Centre for Nanotechnology develops novel methods and devices for spin resonance and quantum sensing, with applications spanning materials science, biochemistry and, increasingly, biomedicine. We are appointing a Research Fellow to develop quantum sensors based on optically readable spin defects (such as nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond) and translate them into biocompatible, in-vivo-ready devices. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working closely with clinicians and biomedical scientists as part of the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing (Q-BIOMED) Research Hub, the UK’s first quantum research hub dedicated to healthcare.
The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) is an interdisciplinary enterprise between University College London, King’s College London and Imperial College London. In bringing together world-class infrastructure and leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass to compete with the best facilities abroad. The LCN has strong relationships with the broader nanotechnology and commercial communities, and is involved in much major collaboration. As the world’s only such facility to be located in the heart of a metropolis, the LCN has superb access to corporate, investment and industrial partners. It is at the forefront of training in nanotechnology, and has a strong media presence aimed at educating the public and bringing transparency to this emerging science.
The Q-BIOMED Hub is led by UCL, supported by £24 million from UKRI and the NIHR, and brings together academic partners, NHS trusts, industry and patient groups to translate quantum sensing technologies into clinical practice, spanning cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and infectious diseases.
This 18-month post is funded as part of the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing (Q-BIOMED) Research Hub. The post holder will develop quantum sensors based on optically readable spin defects such as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond and related colour centres and engineer these into biocompatible quantum sensor platforms suitable for in-vivo biomedical sensing applications. The role will combine computational modelling of magnetic field distributions and sensor performance, materials and device engineering (spin defect characterisation, optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), sensor packaging and biocompatibility) with applied translational work, in close collaboration with clinicians and biomedical scientists within the Q-BIOMED Hub, to take quantum sensing concepts from the laboratory towards real-world, in-vivo diagnostic use. The post holder will work closely with clinical partners to define performance requirements, design experiments addressing key translational challenges for use in physiologically relevant environments and disseminate results to both the quantum sensing and relevant clinical communities.
The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant area of experimental physics, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline, or will have submitted their PhD thesis in a relevant field prior to taking up the appointment.
The post holder will have hands-on experience in at least two of the following areas:
- Computational modelling or simulation relevant to quantum sensors (e.g. finite-element modelling, electromagnetic simulation, or numerical modelling of sensor performance).
- Optical and/or microwave spin manipulation and readout of solid-state spin defects (e.g. NV centres in diamond, silicon carbide defects, or related colour centres).
- Sensor packaging, biocompatible materials, or surface functionalisation for biological or biomedical applications.
- Quantum sensing or quantum metrology techniques (e.g. magnetometry, thermometry, or related sensing modalities).
- Biomedical, in-vitro, or in-vivo experimental work, ideally undertaken in collaboration with clinical or biomedical research partners.
Please refer to the Job Description for further information.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s 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’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
