Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

This University funded full-time post is available from 1st August 2026 until 31st July 2028.

The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E at Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 on Grade F at Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

The Role
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to participate in research led by Prof. Francesca Palombo within the BioSpec team, in Exeter Biomedical Physics group. The successful applicant will work on Brillouin microscopy applications to live cells and tissues in the context of mechanobiology. The post will include use of a commercial microscope which integrates fluorescence imaging with Brillouin spectroscopy, as well as the use of lab-built Brillouin setups for comparison and benchmarking. Prior knowledge of experimental protocols for testing (e.g. standards and tissue phantoms), measurements using optimal settings, and analysis of hyperspectral datasets (machine and deep learning/AI) would be beneficial.

About You

Postdoctoral Research Associate / Research Fellow: The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (Physics/ Optics / Photonics / Optical Engineering or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; draft research articles; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in the area of biophotonics / mechanobiology and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

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

Further information
Please contact Prof. Francesca Palombo, f.palombo@exeter.ac.uk.

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