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Research Fellow in Optics and Photonics

Grade G (£33,739 - £38,825 p.a. pro rata)

Full Time/Fixed term contract for 23 months

Applications are invited for the post of Research Fellow in Optics and Photonics, to work in the Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University.

The role is funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award from Wellcome Trust. The overall aim of the award is to understand how interactions between maternal supply, placental function, and fetal demand affect support of the fetus near term. This is a highly interdisciplinary project involving obstetricians, engineers, physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists from both Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham (UoN).

The successful candidate will contribute to a work package focused on the development of a wearable sensing device for monitoring critical fetal and maternal parameters. The project will involve the development and optimisation of a prototype pregnancy activity monitor based on optical fibre sensing technology. You will refine and optimise a bespoke characterisation system, fabricate optical fibre sensors and evaluate their performance. You will also apply digital signal processing techniques and machine learning algorithms to analyse and interpret the acquired data.

The successful candidate will work primarily with Dr Qimei Zhang in the Department of Engineering at the Nottingham Trent University. The candidate will also work closely with collaborators at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and the Optics and Photonics Group at the University of Nottingham, as well as clinical collaborators at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Interviews; w/c 12th October 2026.

About Us

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.

In the Department of Engineering we deliver research and teaching in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and sport engineering. We are building a global reputation in areas including human performance and human factors, future materials, biomedical engineering, and robotics. We are working with industrial partners in technology, automotive, aircraft, marine, healthcare engineering, and with sports teams to help them beat world records.

For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr Qimei Zhang (Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering) at qimei.zhang@ntu.ac.uk.

Join Us

• 30 - 35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
• Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
• Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
• Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
• Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
• And a whole lot moreFind out more about the range of benefits we offer.

Come and be part of our success. Apply today.

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. For more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route (e.g. global talent visa). Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.