"Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term)"

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow to join an NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme-funded project within the Breast Cancer Pathology Research Group at the Nottingham Breast Cancer Centre, based in the Biodiscovery Institute.

This project aims to develop a novel technique using autofluorescence (AF) imaging and Raman spectroscopy to detect positive lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery. The goal is to enable real-time intraoperative assessment, potentially avoiding the need for a second surgery. Currently, lymph node analysis relies on histology, which takes 1–2 weeks.

We will build a combined AF-Raman system that integrates rapid AF scanning with Raman spectroscopy and machine learning to deliver a diagnosis within 10 minutes, without damaging the sample. The prototype will be tested in the operating theatre at the Nottingham Breast Institute.

This interdisciplinary project involves collaboration between the Breast Pathology Research Group (School of Medicine), Biophotonics Group (School of Physics and Astronomy), Nottingham University Hospitals, Royal Holloway University of London (Mathematics), and RiverD International. It offers excellent training in biomedical applications of Raman spectroscopy, from instrument development to clinical validation and commercialisation.

We are seeking a motivated researcher to lead the setup and coordination of a clinical study involving the AF-Raman instrument. Responsibilities include developing study protocols, securing ethical approvals, integrating the instrument into clinical workflows, managing patient consent and sample preparation, and supporting histopathology and performance evaluation. The role also includes planning a follow-up national study and working closely with engineering, surgical, and histology teams.

Applicants should hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant field, with experience in research methodologies and specialist techniques. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. Desirable attributes include experience with spectroscopy or biophotonics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and diagnostic data analysis.

This full-time post is available until 31/07/2027. Part-time and job share arrangements will be considered. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Andy Green.