Research Fellow

Job Description

Research Fellow in Advanced Lab-based X-ray Microscopy: Grade: 7 (43,981 - 46,261)

Department: Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (MPBE): Location: UCL MPBE, Hybrid working would be considered (up to 2 wfh days/week)

Reports to

Dr Michela Esposito, Senior Research Fellow in X-Ray Microscopy, and Prof Sandro Olivo, Professor of Applied Physics.

Context

The UCL Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Department produces internationally leading research and integrated hands-on education, with close links to major teaching hospitals and industries, and is one of the biggest in the country in this field.

The Advanced X-Ray Imaging (AXIm) group (Advanced X-Ray Imaging Group (AXIm) | Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering - UCL – University College London) is a multi-PI group that develops novel X-ray image formation techniques and deploys them with the latest developments in source and detector technology.

We have an opportunity to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to the AXIm group. The post is part of an international collaboration with cutting-edge x-ray industry from the Republic of Korea, with opportunities to travel to Seoul and engage directly with the industrial collaborators.

The aim of the project is to develop novel x-ray microscopy methods that go beyond current capabilities. AXIm has recently achieved world-first results in the 3D imaging of intact, unstained biological tissue where every single cell and cell nucleus is visualized. This project will significantly expand these capabilities into much larger volumes and across different materials.

This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a next-generation X-ray imaging instrument, from initial concept and system design through to deployment in real-world scientific and industrial applications. The successful candidate will gain experience across the full innovation pipeline, working closely with both academic and industrial partners to translate fundamental research into impactful technology.

The position will be initially offered for 2 years, with possibility of renewal subject to funding conditions. The post is available immediately, but we will of course consider restrictions related to notice periods, visas etc.

Main purpose of the job

The overarching purpose of this post is to develop a new x-ray microscopy system in the AXIm labs at UCL, then transfer the concept to the industrial collaborators in the Republic of Korea enabling implementation in their commercial systems.

This will require a combination of simulation, hands-on experimental system development, data collection and data analysis.

Once developed, the microscope will be tested on a range of strategically important samples, the analysis of which will be handled by the recruited fellow.

Duties and responsibilities

To understand the physics underpinning AXIm’s multi-modal x-ray microscopy methods and master the related data analysis and especially phase and dark-field retrieval methods; To gain an understanding of AXIm’s simulation software and adapt it as necessary for the development of the advanced microscope; To use the above for the optimized design of an advanced x-ray microscope that pushes the boundaries of sensitivity, resolution, field-of-view and x-ray penetration over what is currently available To build the above instrument in the AXIm labs; this will involve procurement and testing of the required components and their integration into a compact system; To develop software tools for the control and synchronization of the above components, and ultimately for the acquisition of 2- and 3D images which may entail complex trajectories of the sample and/or optical elements; To commission the above microscope and ensure its performance matches the expected predictions; this might entail for example imaging known samples and comparing the results to those predicted by simulation models; To use the instrument to acquire images of a range of strategically important samples, perform their reconstruction and analysis, and present results to the group and its collaborators; To prepare and present findings of research activity to the industrial partners and other interested parties; To contribute to the drafting and submission of papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals, and to drafting research bids and proposals; To disseminate the project results via scientific publications and presentations at conferences (some international travel may be required).

To prepare reporting documentation, suitable to be passed on to funding bodies and other stakeholders, and in accordance with the project time structure.

To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and department as required; To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students as requested.

General

Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working.

Take responsibility to carry out duties in a way that embodies UCL's environmental and social sustainability values, actively supporting UCL's Sustainability Strategy, policies and objectives within the remit of the role.

Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager.

To actively follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities and Race Equality policies.

To maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations.

This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples. You will be scored on how you meet each criteria.

Essential Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test)

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A solid background and a PhD (or about to submit for a PhD) in a STEM subject or equivalent: Application Evidence of contribution to the development of x-ray based or other imaging systems: Application / Interview Experience in data and image analysis: Application / Interview Familiarity with x-ray imaging, especially phase contrast: Application / Interview Familiarity with, and demonstrated ability to use, relevant software packages: Application / Interview Experience in the preparation of reports and scientific papers: Application / Interview

A publication record in the area of (or at least related to) x-ray imaging: Application Theoretical and applied knowledge of x-ray physics and image formation principles: Application / Interview

Skills and abilities

Problem solving: Application / Interview Independent critical thinking: Application / Interview Self-motivation and capability of working independently: Application / Interview Interest in multi-disciplinary research and willingness to develop new skills when required: Application / Interview

Creativity: Application / Interview

Collaborative mindset: Application / Interview Effective verbal communication: Application / Interview Effective written communication: Application / Interview Professionalism when dealing with external collaborators and co-investigators: Application / Interview Computer programming in Python or equivalent: Application / Interview

UCL Ways of Working

Please use Ways of Working supporting indicators to clarify ‘how we work’ expectations at UCL. Please click here to find grade appropriate supporting indicators and guidance on using Ways of Working in recruitment.

Desirable Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test) Previous experience with edge-illumination/beam tracking multi-modal x-ray imaging (or other modulation-based methods): Application / Interview Familiarity with the integration of experimental components of imaging systems, including development of control software: Application / Interview Theoretical and practical knowledge of tomography, especially image reconstruction: Application / Interview An understanding of image quality metrics including contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution: Application / Interview

A publication record in the area of x-ray imaging and tomography: Application Good record of publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals relative to career stage: Application