Job profile

College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences

This full-time post is available immediately on a fixed-term basis until 30^th June 2023.

EPSRC Healthcare Technologies Raman Nanotheranostics (RaNT) Programme

We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, based in Exeter, to participate in a substantial multi-disciplinary EPSRC programme: Raman NanoTheranostics (RaNT). The successful applicant will be part of a team of leading scientists from the University of Exeter, University of Cambridge, London School of Pharmacy (UCL) and the STFC Central Laser Facility working to develop engineering and physical science solutions to solve the clinical needs in patient specific diagnosis and effective treatment of cancers.

We propose to develop a new clinical platform technology that combines optical multiplexed disease detection with specific therapeutic selection and monitoring. We will develop innovative nanoparticle (NP) constructs, uniquely safe to the body, coupled with novel readout technologies, capable of detecting signals from depths of >8 cm non-invasively, mediating targeted therapies with light and non-invasively monitoring the efficacy of these and other therapies. This will address a critical clinical need of the provision of accurate and early disease diagnosis accompanied by effective, patient and disease specific therapy.

The post

We seek an outstanding postdoctoral research scientist with a specific skill set:

• To focus on the development of surface enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SESORS) from a proof of concept to a multiplexed deep tissue imaging tool, able to non-invasively probe functionalised nanoparticle constructs at depths of many cm and to directly monitor the tissue surrounding them. This involves development of novel SERS NPs and read out technologies as well as their application.

The team will work together, also with those at the partner institutions, to develop novel healthcare technologies of the future. It is also an expectation that you will help to supervise PhD students working in an associated area of research to your own.

You will:

• Possess a relevant PhD in Physics, Chemistry or Bioengineering or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study.
• Be a nationally recognised authority in one of the above subject areas and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop advanced research programmes and methodologies.
• Be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.
• Have knowledge, skills and experience to be able to contribute significantly in at least one aspect of the above post.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment above.

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university in the top 200 of universities worldwide. We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, and have achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017. We have over 22,000 students and 4600 staff from 180 different countries and have been rated the WhatUni2017 International Student Choice. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today, with 98% of our research rated as being of international quality in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

For further information please contact: Prof Nick Stone (RaNT Programme Director), n.stone@ex.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 726531; Prof Pavel Matousek (RaNT Co-Investigator), pavel.matousek@stfc.ac.uk; or Dr Francesca Palombo (RaNT Co-Investigator), f.palombo@ex.ac.uk.