Research Assistant in Optics and Photonics

About the Role

Applications are invited for the post of Research Associate in Optics and Photonics, to work in the Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University.

The role is funded as part of the Wellcome Leap In Utero Program. The overall aim of the project is to investigate measures of placental function as risk factors for predicting stillbirth; this is a highly interdisciplinary project involving obstetricians, engineers, biologists, mathematicians, computer scientists, and physicists from both Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham (UoN). This post relates to a work package that will be developing and testing a wearable device to investigate placental contractions.

The project will involve optimising a prototype of a wearable device based on fibre optics. You will fabricate the sensors and test the performance of the system. You will use digital signal processing methods to process the data.

The successful candidate will have a degree in Optics, Electronics, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or relevant subjects. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants who are willing and able to work independently within a team environment. Training will be available in all aspects of the work. The successful candidate will work with Dr Qimei Zhang and Dr Frederique Vanheusden in the Engineering building at Nottingham Trent University.

The post is part-time based (around 20 hours/week) and is available immediately until 31st March 2025.

Interviews week commencing: 20th January 2025

About Us

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching, and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics, and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.

In the Department of Engineering, we deliver research and teaching in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and sport engineering. We are building a global reputation in areas including human performance and human factors, future materials, biomedical engineering, and robotics. We are working with industrial partners in technology, automotive, aircraft, marine, healthcare engineering, and with sports teams to help them beat world records.

Join Us

• Between 30 and 35 days annual leave per year (dependent on grade) plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
• Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
• Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
• Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
• Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Range of health and wellbeing services, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues. Find out more about the range of benefits we offer at Benefits | Nottingham Trent University
• And a whole lot more...

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Upcoming immigration rules (4th April 2024) changes may impact on eligibility for sponsorship; we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position.

Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa for more information. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.