About us

Recognised as one of the leading cancer research centres in Europe, the Comprehensive cancer centre where post-doctoral position will be based has a multidisciplinary research portfolio which spans the entire patient cancer journey. By fostering a culture of innovation in cancer patient care through research excellence, we aim to break down traditional clinical and academic boundaries and draw together members of the Division and our associated major NHS partners to achieve a fully integrated cancer research pathway. This is reflected in the coordinated strategic planning that provides the foundations for our KHP Cancer Centre. If selected you will be embedded within the Advanced Functional Imaging group and will collaborate with biologists, electronic engineers and computer scientists directly at the life sciences interface.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join Dr Simon Poland’s advanced microscopy development group at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre at King’s College London. The overall goal of this research project is to develop novel imaging strategies which will enable the complete interrogation of tumour derived spheroid models. The successful candidate will assist in the construction of the 3-Photon microscopy system, integrate massively parallelised Fast-FLIM detection functionality and temporal focusing, and liaise with biological collaborators to perform and analyse the imaging experiments on 3D cell culture models.

The successful applicant must have attained a PhD degree in Physics, Engineering, or related subject and must have extensive prior experience in both optical design and microscopy development. Previous knowledge and experience in the development of bespoke microscopy platforms (i.e. fluorescence light-sheet, confocal and multi-photon) are essential for this position. The candidate will be required to utilise high powered femtosecond laser sources, integrate diffractive optical elements for beam-shaping and adaptive optic correction, assist in the design of bespoke optics and incorporate state-of-the-art detector technologies into existing microscope platforms.

The appointee will be expected to work in an interdisciplinary team at the life sciences interface, co-ordinating with physics and biological collaborators and providing leadership to junior researchers. They will be responsible for the delivery of internationally competitive research with emphasis placed on highly motivated, team-oriented, creative individuals able to independently tackle original scientific projects.

Additional experience in programming (Python, Matlab, C++) and image data analysis is required. Excellent communication skills are essential, and you should be keen to develop project/team leadership skills, and to establish bridges between the physical and life sciences. There may also be additional opportunities to engage in a range of complementary projects active in Dr Poland’s group, to further explore and grow your own research interests and portfolio.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered  a fixed term contract until 31st August 2025 with the opportunity to extend.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. BSc in Physics, Engineering or related subject
2. Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Engineering or related subject (either completed or submitted)
3. Highly skilled in both optical and mechanical design
4. Knowledge and experience in both the construction and use of bespoke optical microscopy platforms (i.e. multi-photon, fluorescence light-sheet, confocal)
5. Flexible and collaborative
6. Willingness to learn new skills
7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
8. Commitment to high quality research

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in adaptive optics development and Fluorescence lifetime imaging
2. Programming and computational analysis
3. Good presentation skills
4. Experience in cell preparation and cell culture
5. Tenacity to conduct a project

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.