Research Associate/Fellow: Clinical Translation of Ultra-Thin Imaging Devices for Pancreatic Cancer Detection (FTC)

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease affecting 500,000 people globally each year, including over 10,000 in the UK, with a mere 5% ten-year survival rate. Our goal is to accelerate the clinical translation of innovative miniature, hair-thin imaging devices we have previously developed (doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.29.2.026002). These devices are designed to enable early and accurate detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous pancreatic cysts, significantly improving patient outcomes, reducing unnecessary surveillance, and minimizing repeat biopsies.

We have secured funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) to further develop our existing prototypes toward clinical application and as a result are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead the hardware development of a second-generation clinically translatable prototype of our ultra-thin imaging device. You will lead the technical development through to the first pre-clinical studies on ex vivo human pancreatic tissues, laying essential groundwork for subsequent human clinical trials. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team involving pancreatic cancer surgeons, pathologists, and engineers. There will be significant potential for further clinical translation and commericalisation activities.

What we offer:

• A unique opportunity to translate potentially life-saving technology from the lab into clinical practice.
• Opportunity to lead device commercialisation activities.
• A world-class, multidisciplinary research environment spanning optics/photonics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and clinical medicine.
• Fully equipped laboratories for prototyping, development, and testing.
• Commitment to researcher development, mentoring, and career progression (signatories of the Researcher Development Concordat: www.vitae.ac.uk/policy/concordat). See also Dr. Gordon’s Lab Charter (www.georgesdgordon.com/?page_id=584).
• Opportunities for international collaboration and conference attendance.

Salary and Terms:

• Full-time position (part-time and job-share arrangements available, minimum 21.75 hours per week), start date ideally beginning of August 2025 (some flexibility)
• The role is offered on a fixed-term contract initially for 18 months, extendable up to 3 years contingent upon successfully meeting project milestones.

What you should have:

• PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent industry experience in Electrical/Electronic/Photonic/Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results, evidenced by academic publications or successful commercialisation of technologies/products.
• Proven hands-on experimental skills of developing hardware.
• Practical experience with optical fibres.
• Proficiency in writing instrument control and data analysis software (e.g., C/C++, Python or MATLAB).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.

This milestone-driven project requires high focus and productivity because continued funding is dependent upon achieving pre-agreed milestones.

The successful candidate will be based in the OPTIMlab within the Engineering Department, led by Dr. George Gordon (further information at www.georgesdgordon.com). Please contact Dr. Gordon informally if you are considering applying (george.gordon@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note formal applications must be submitted via the University's online application system. Applications should include a CV and covering letter detailing relevant experience and suitability for the role.

Further details:

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Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.

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