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

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 operate well‑equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high‑resolution laser spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures, with RF control of electronic/nuclear spins and facilities for quantum‑device fabrication. QPL collaborates widely across HWU, the UK and internationally, and contributes to several UK quantum hubs, including Q-BIOMED, which targets spin‑based quantum sensors for biomedical research and early disease detection. 

The Quantum Bio‑Imaging Group, led by Dr Aldona Mzyk, focuses on developing quantum bio‑imaging tools to study metabolic plasticity from single cells to whole organisms, aiming to translate quantum sensing into pharma R&D and clinical diagnostics. 

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 position is funded through a £2M UKRI project led by Dr Aldona Mzyk and involves close collaboration with academic and industrial partners in the UK and internationally. The project is expected to generate high impact publications. 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. 

1. PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Cell Biology, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline; or expected to have submitted their PhD thesis before commencing the post. 
2. Extensive research experience in cancer biology, with a strong understanding of cellular metabolism and the tumour microenvironment. 
3. Demonstrated expertise in the development, optimisation, and characterisation of 2D and 3D cancer cell models. 
4. Substantial experience in fluorescence confocal microscopy, including experimental design, data acquisition, quantitative image analysis, and interpretation. 
5. Hands-on experience using nanoparticles in biological systems, including cellular uptake, functionalisation, delivery, or intracellular sensing applications. 
6. Understanding of NV-centre-based quantum sensing, with practical experience performing NV nanodiamond measurements in live cells. 
7. Experience designing and conducting independent research projects, analysing complex datasets, and developing new experimental approaches. 
8. A strong publication record for career stage, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and substantial contribution to manuscript preparation. 
9. Evidence of scientific communication through conference presentations, invited talks, seminars, outreach activities, or related public engagement. 
10. Proven ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands, and deliver research objectives to agreed deadlines. 
11. Experience supervising undergraduate, MSc, PhD, or research assistant projects. 
12. Ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment involving physicists, engineers, biologists, and external collaborators. 

1. Practical experience in flow cytometry, including experimental planning, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. 
2. Evidence of innovation, problem-solving ability, and a strong interest in translational research and technology development. 
3. Demonstrated desire to become a well-rounded academic, including a vision for the role beyond the direct project e.g. engagement with the local community, contributing to undergraduate student experience, fostering a positive research culture in the group/institute

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 Thursday 01 October 2026.

We expect interviews to commence shortly after the closing date.

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