Job description

We are seeking a postdoc in optics and biophotonics to design the next generation of real-time hyperspectral imaging systems for surgical guidance. The postholder, based within the Centre of Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology at King’s College London, will play a key role in a collaborative project with King’s College Hospital and Hypervision Surgical, a recently founded King’s spin-out company. A clinical neurosurgery study has been set up to underpin this collaboration. The successful candidate will work on optimising and charactering a novel hyperspectral laparoscopic platform.  

Brain tumour surgery involves removing as much of the tumour as safely as possible. However, even with the best hands and the most modern technology currently available, it is often not possible to reliably identify tumour during surgery. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has the potential to enhance the surgeon’s vision to reliably identify tumour and healthy brain structures. 

Key activities relate to optical design and characterisation of tissue phantoms. The recruited individual will also complement our multidisciplinary team working on Raman spectroscopy for optical biopsy. The post involves close and active collaboration with researchers, engineers, and clinicians. Working with established platforms and building on the hardware already present within our teams is of paramount importance to ensure project cohesion and strong links with the members of the team.  

This post will be offered on fixed term contract for 18 months 

This is a Full time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Develop hyperspectral imaging instruments and Raman systems  
• Contribute to project management tasks 
• Maintain accurate and up-to date technical documentation of the delivered hardware 
• Contribute to the dissemination of the research through publications, conferences and public engagement activities 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.        Education in Bioengineering, Physics or related technical discipline 

2.       PhD or equivalent industrial experience in optics or a closely related field 

3.       A demonstrable record of publications in peer-reviewed conference proceedings and scientific journals 

4.       Experience working on system integration tasks 

5.       Ability to work with a variety of people 

Desirable criteria 

1.       Knowledge of machine learning  

2.       Knowledge of and experience using the Matlab or Python programming languages 

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.