Research Associate/Fellow in Photonics & Sensing in Healthcare (Fixed term) at University of Nottingham

An opportunity exists for short term posts in developing and testing new optical fibre sensing devices for healthcare. We are at crucial stages in delivering successful outcomes in 3 projects:

(i) A wearable device for pregnancy monitoring based on fibre optic sensing and electrocardiography. The aim is to understand the causes of, and ultimately reduce, stillbirths. This project is funded by Wellcome Leap and involves close collaboration with our world-renowned Sire Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre.

(ii) A smart wound dressing for monitoring diabetic foot ulcers. The dressing incorporates optical fibre biosensors and measures biomarkers associated with wound healing and infection. The aim is to improve healing rates and reduce amputations. This project is funded by the Medical Research Council and a clinical investigation is underway at Derby Hospital.

(iii) A smart endotracheal tube (ETT) for monitoring at the interface between the ETT cuff and trachea. The ETT incorporates optical fibre sensors and measures interface pressure and perfusion. The aim is to reduce tracheal injury and ventilator associated pneumonia. This project is funded by the medical research council and pre-clinical studies are currently being conducted.

We are looking for research engineers, whose expertise lies in biomedical and instrumentation engineering.

We require you to be able to carry out duties to the highest standard and to achieve our project goals this work will involve one or more of:

• Sensor-based instrumentation construction (with a focus on fibre optic sensing).
• Conducting pre-clinical and clinical measurements
• Data capture and signal processing
• Obtaining regulatory approval

We are looking for enthusiastic, confident and organised engineering researchers who can evidence:

PhD (or close to completion) or equivalent experience in Fibre Optic Sensing, Biomedical Engineering Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related subject or significant relevant work experience.

• Experience of conducting pre-clinical and clinical measurements.
• Knowledge and experience of constructing sensor-based medical devices.

These posts are available immediately and on a fixed-term basis for 3 months. Depending on project renewals and extension there is the possibility of the roles being extended.

Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours); however, applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 16 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours. Arrangements for job share would be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

If it sounds like you would be a good fit, we look forward to hearing from you.

For information about the Faculty of Engineering and The Centre of Healthcare technologies see: www.healthcaretechnologies.ac.uk/cht-homepage.aspx

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Steve Morgan, via email steve.morgan@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note, applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.