About Us

King’s College London’s School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences is a leading research institution focused on understanding cancer and developing innovative treatments. It combines expertise in cancer biology, drug discovery, and clinical trials to advance patient care. The school integrates multidisciplinary research across cancer therapeutics, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical practice. Key areas include personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and novel drug delivery systems. With strong industry and clinical partnerships, the school translates cutting-edge research into real-world applications. It also offers world-class education for students and researchers, fostering future leaders in cancer treatment and pharmaceutical science.

The Comprehensive Cancer Centre at King’s College London is a leading research hub dedicated to improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. It integrates cutting-edge research with clinical expertise, focusing on personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and early detection, to enhance outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

This post is based in Dr. Poland’s advanced microscopy development group, on Guy’s Campus. Our lab specializes in pioneering advanced fluorescence microscopy methods, integrating cutting-edge optical design and computational analysis for a broad range of biological applications. We welcome innovative researchers from all interdisciplinary backgrounds. 

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary team. You will play a crucial role in constructing a custom multiphoton microscopy system equipped with advanced Fast-FLIM detection functionality and temporal focusing. Collaborating closely with biological scientists, you will perform and analyse imaging experiments on 3D cell culture models to explore cellular dynamics and probe the biochemical intricacies of developmental biology.

Building on our established expertise in Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), this research project aims to push the boundaries of developmental biology through innovative imaging techniques.

Your responsibilities will include designing and constructing the multiphoton microscopy system, integrating high-powered femtosecond and picosecond laser sources, and utilizing static and dynamic diffractive optical elements for beam shaping and adaptive optics correction. You will assist in designing bespoke optics and incorporate state-of-the-art detector technologies into existing microscope platforms. Collaboration with electronic engineers and leadership of junior researchers are key aspects of the role, as is contributing to internationally competitive research.

Candidates must hold a PhD in Physics and have extensive experience in optical design and microscopy development, with proven expertise in developing bespoke microscopy platforms such as FLIM, confocal, or multiphoton microscopy. Proficiency in using high-powered femtosecond and picosecond laser sources, integrating diffractive optical elements, and adaptive optics is required. Strong programming skills in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or C++ are necessary, along with proficiency in image data processing and analysis. Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team. We are looking for someone keen to develop project and team leadership skills and enthusiastic about bridging the physical and life sciences.

There may be additional opportunities to engage in a range of complementary projects within Dr. Poland’s group, allowing you to further explore and expand your research interests and portfolio.

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) on a fixed-term 1-year contract with the possibility of extension. A competitive salary commensurate with experience will be offered.

If you are a highly motivated, team-oriented, and creative individual ready to tackle original scientific projects, we encourage you to apply.

About You

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

Essential criteria

1. BSc and PhD in Physics, Optics, Engineering, or a related subject (PhD either completed or submitted)
2. Extensive experience in optical and mechanical design 
3. Proven expertise in the construction and use of bespoke optical microscopy platforms, such as FLIM, multiphoton, or confocal microscopy
4. Experience with beam shaping techniques (e.g., spatial light modulators, diffractive optical elements)
5. Proficiency in programming languages like LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or C++, and experience in image data processing and analysis
6. Experience with high-powered femtosecond and picosecond laser sources 
7. Excellent communication and presentation skills 
8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with adaptive optics for aberration correction in microscopy 
2. Experience in cell preparation and cell culture 
3. Demonstrated leadership skills and interest in developing project and team leadership abilities.
4. Tenacity and perseverance in conducting complex projects 
5. Enthusiasm for bridging the physical and life sciences, with a willingness to learn new skills

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.

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.

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.