Research Fellow in Molecular Quantum Sensing

About us

Ben Miller’s research group at UCL’s London Centre for Nanotechnology develops quantum-sensing approaches for biological applications with a particular interest in nanoparticle probes and sensitive optical detection. The group brings together materials chemistry, spin physics and biological experimentation. Current projects explore organic sensing materials and fluorescent nanodiamonds for biological and diagnostic applications. The post is funded through the UK Quantum Biomedical Sensing (Q-BIOMED) Research Hub and involves collaboration with researchers in chemistry, physics and biomedicine, including Professor Vijay Chudasama’s group in UCL Chemistry.

The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) is an interdisciplinary enterprise between University College London, King’s College London and Imperial College London. In bringing together world-class infrastructure and leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass to compete with the best facilities abroad. The LCN has strong relationships with the broader nanotechnology and commercial communities, and is involved in much major collaboration. As the world’s only such facility to be located in the heart of a metropolis, the LCN has superb access to corporate, investment and industrial partners. It is at the forefront of training in nanotechnology, and has a strong media presence aimed at educating the public and bringing transparency to this emerging science.

About the role

The post holder will develop diagnostic and other biomedical sensing methods using the optical and spin properties of molecular quantum materials in nanoparticle form. Specific objectives involve the development, characterization and integration of molecular nanocrystals into diagnostic tests. The work will involve preparing and characterising nanoparticles, developing coatings and functionalisation methods, and testing their behaviour in biological environments. This will include improving particle dispersibility and stability, attaching biological recognition molecules, and evaluating optical and spin properties and performance in model assays.

There will be scope to propose and pursue new materials, chemistries and biomedical applications. Working with Ben Miller and collaborators, the postholder will develop their ideas into experiments, use the results to guide subsequent work and lead the preparation of research papers. They will also contribute to intellectual property arising from the research.

The is a fixed term role for 12 months, with the possibility to extend subject to securing further funding.

About you

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, biochemistry, biophysics or a related discipline. You will have practical experience of working with nanoparticles and modifying or functionalising their surfaces. A background in synthetic chemistry would be welcome, especially where this has involved surface modification, coatings or bioconjugation.

You will have a strong publication record, and be able to demonstrate your own contributions. You will enjoy working closely with colleagues and collaborators, contributing your expertise to connect new sensing materials with biological applications.

You should be comfortable using microscopes and experienced or motivated to learn relevant optical and biological methods. Experience of bioassay development or optical characterisation of molecular materials or nanoparticles would be advantageous. Previous experience in quantum sensing is not essential

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