Hokkaido University

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. Job Purpose The Research Fellow will lead the development of a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform for rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation processes. The role involves aptamer discovery, nanomaterial-based SERS sensor development, and integration with microfluidic systems for real-time monitoring of cleaning validation washout fluids. Opportunities to contribute to patent filings, translational research, and commercialization pathways will be available. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Design and screen high-affinity ssDNA aptamers targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Develop nanoparticle-based SERS substrates (Ag/Au nanoclusters) for enhanced Raman signal detection. Design and fabricate microfluidic sensing interfaces for continuous monitoring of cleaning validation fluids. Perform sensor validation using Raman spectroscopy, microbial cultures, and cleaning validation samples. Develop data analysis pipelines for Raman spectral classification, potentially integrating machine learning methods. Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to achieve project milestones. Lead prototype development and performance optimization of the SERS biosensor system. Communicate research outcomes through technical reports, conference presentations, and scientific publications. Collaborate with industry partners and interdisciplinary research teams where applicable. Operational Responsibilities Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations. Manage procurement of specialized equipment and research consumables. Mentorship Mentor research engineers, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. Contribute to training activities within the research group. Others To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Essential PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, or related fields. Strong publication record in biosensors, nanomaterials, Raman spectroscopy, or microfluidics. Demonstrated experience in nanoparticle-based biosensor development or SERS sensing platforms. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for microfluidic device design. Experience with Raman spectroscopy instrumentation and spectral data analysis. Preferred Experience in microfluidic chip fabrication (soft lithography, PDMS, or micro-machining). Experience with aptamer selection or molecular recognition elements. Experience applying machine learning to spectral data (Raman, LC–MS, or similar). Experience working on translational or industry-linked research projects.

Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences Based at: Shrivenham, Oxfordshire - Cranfield Defence and Security Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered Contract type: Permanent Salary: Lecturer: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £48,760 to £58,664 per annum, with potential progression up to £71,050 per annum Senior Lecturer: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £61,000 to £70,548 per annum, with potential progression up to £86,275 per annum Apply by: 17/06/2026 Role Description About the Role You will undertake teaching duties mostly within the Leadership, Management and Strategic Capability Group, and across the Centre for Defence and Security Management & Informatics as required.  Specifically: Ensuring the development and the delivery of a range of educational products and modules on the Capability and Acquisition (CAPAC) Course Contribute to the delivery of Private Venture (PV) short courses in the United Kingdom and Overseas Contribute to the delivery of Academic Provider (AP) contract in the United Kingdom, overseas and online Planning and delivering teaching and contributing to the design or revision of courses and short courses Ensuring that the group is suitably represented across the Centre and beyond. Supervising post-graduate students at Master’s and PhD level. About You You will have an MSc in a topic related to Defence and Security or MBA and significant experience in the field of defence gained whilst serving in a senior military role / defence civil service. You will have a teaching qualification (FHEA) or a willingness to undertake this.  You will contribute to course development, module design and teaching at Master’s Level or equivalent.  You will have work experience within the Defence or wider security sectors of the UK or an allied state.  Additionally for a Senior Lecturer, you will have substantial contributions in teaching and leadership and management.  About Us As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here. Our Values and Commitments Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here. Working Arrangements Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners. How to apply For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Robby Allen - Professor of Leadership and Neurodiversity, on (E): robby.allen@cranfield.ac.uk.  Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details at people.shrivenham@cranfield.ac.uk.  Please quote reference number 5316.                                                                                                                    Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The Future Ship and System Design (FSSD) programme aims to develop strategic and innovative design capabilities for the maritime industry in Singapore and globally. Within this programme, Work Package WP2.2 focuses on research in several key areas: design Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), functional FMECA, advanced sensing techniques, sensor and operational data fusion, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms for condition monitoring, fault diagnosis, and early fault prediction in electric vessels. The primary responsibility of this role is to contribute to research in design FMECA, functional FMECA, and ship sensing, as part of the WP2.2 research team within the FSSD programme. Key Responsibilities Work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and research team members to manage and execute the project, ensuring that all deliverables are successfully achieved. Key responsibilities in this project include: Developing an FMECA analysis solution that integrates condition monitoring data to update actual failure modes, effects, and severity assessments. Designing and conducting experiments to simulate various ship fault conditions, implementing sensing for data collection, and developing an equipment health monitoring system. Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations. The Research staff is to liaise with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any other adhoc duties as assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment. Have relevant knowledge in the areas of shipboard system design, FMECA and reliability analysis. Have a degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechanical engineering or equivalent. Knowledge of sensing, FMECA, equipment health management and programming will be advantageous. Knowledge of intelligent decision agents based on graph neural network or similar will an advantage. Key Competencies Good knowledge in reliability analysis. Experience in FMECA and equipment health management will be advantageous. Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Show strong initiative and take ownership of work. Major Challenges Integrating Multidisciplinary Knowledge The role requires expertise across multiple domains—FMECA, sensing technologies, data fusion, data analytics, and machine learning. Combining these diverse skill sets to develop a unified and reliable solution can be technically demanding. Complexity of Ship Systems Ship systems are large-scale, interconnected, and subject to complex operating conditions. Accurately modelling failure modes, effects, and criticality requires deep domain knowledge and careful analysis. Collecting High-Quality Sensor Data. Simulating Realistic Fault Conditions. Developing Reliable Fault Prediction Models. Ensuring System Integration and Practical Deployment Meeting Project Milestones and Deliverables