Research Fellow in Molecular Quantum Sensing

Overview

The London Centre for Nanotechnology at UCL is recruiting a Research Fellow in Molecular Quantum Sensing to work in a group that develops quantum-sensing approaches for biological applications, with a focus on nanoparticle probes and sensitive optical detection. The group brings together materials chemistry, spin physics and biological experimentation, and current projects use organic sensing materials and fluorescent nanodiamonds for biological and diagnostic uses. The post is funded through the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing Research Hub and involves collaboration with chemistry, physics and biomedicine researchers, including a group in UCL Chemistry.

The contract is full time and fixed term for 12 months, with possible extension if further funding is secured, and working is hybrid.

What you will do

The postholder will develop diagnostic and other biomedical sensing methods using the optical and spin properties of molecular quantum materials in nanoparticle form, including developing, characterising and integrating molecular nanocrystals into diagnostic tests. Work involves preparing and characterising nanoparticles, developing coatings and functionalisation methods, testing behaviour in biological environments, improving dispersibility and stability, attaching biological recognition molecules and evaluating optical and spin properties in model assays. There is scope to propose new materials, chemistries and applications, to lead the writing of research papers and to contribute to intellectual property arising from the work.

Requirements

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, biochemistry, biophysics or a related discipline and has practical experience of working with nanoparticles and modifying their surfaces. A background in synthetic chemistry, especially surface modification, coatings or bioconjugation, is welcome. A strong publication record is expected, along with comfort using microscopes and experience of, or motivation to learn, optical and biological methods. Experience of bioassay development or optical characterisation of molecular materials is an advantage, and previous experience in quantum sensing is not essential.

What you get

The salary is 43,981 to 54,019 GBP per year.

Key dates

The closing date is 19 October 2026.