Post Doctoral Research Associate: Custom Optical Microscopy Development (Fixed Term)

Overview

The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop custom optical microscopy. The post is hosted in Professor Knowles' group and funded by an international consortium supported by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA). The aim is to build custom optics integrated with microfluidic ultra-high-throughput screening, for label-free screening of phase separation in de novo designed inorganic-protein hybrid materials. The techniques include polarised optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and darkfield microscopy, coupled to droplet microfluidics to screen libraries of 10,000 to more than 1,000,000 samples. The scientific goal is to map the phase space of ordered inorganic hybrid materials by sampling many reaction conditions and libraries of de novo inorganic-templating interfaces.

The postholder will design, assemble and maintain microscopes that combine polarisation-resolved and fluorescence optics with the group's existing droplet screening platforms, including PhaseScan and cell-free expression, working closely with consortium partners who contribute expertise in de novo protein design and high-throughput inorganic synthesis. Training in microfluidics is provided, and no background in droplet screening, soft matter physics or biophysics is expected. Further duties include contributing to the supervision of PhD and Master's students and helping maintain the group's custom instruments.

Requirements

Applicants must show experience of building a bespoke optical microscope from individual components, including optical design, sourcing, assembly, alignment and performance characterisation, and must describe at least one instrument they built and their own contribution. They need a PhD, or be about to obtain one, in optical engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, mineralogy or a related discipline. Ideal candidates also have experience with crystalline inorganic materials, a sound understanding of polarisation optics and polariser alignment, and knowledge of fluorescence optics including filters and dichroics.

What you get

The full-time, fixed-term post pays £33,002 to £46,049 per annum. Funding is available for 18 months in the first instance, with a further 18 months allocated if project milestones are met at that point.

How to apply

Applications are made online with a CV, a covering letter and a publications list. Additional documents will not be considered. The reference MA50992 should be quoted.

Key dates

The closing date is 20 October 2026.