We are looking for a
talented bioengineer with broad expertise on the design and fabrication of bioactive surfaces for biosensing applications. The post-holder will develop next-generation multiplexed sensing platforms as an effective route to establishing personalised, user-centred diagnostics. The successful candidate will optimise nanostructured biosensing surfaces, investigate their recognition and binding capacities, and evaluate them for use in biosensing applications. This multi-disciplinary research requires knowledge of surface chemistry and characterisation, materials chemistry and Raman spectroscopy, as well as strong communication, organisational, and project management skills to work effectively across disciplines and institutions. The Stevens Group is based at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and is also affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. We are a multidisciplinary and diverse team with an active commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment for all researchers. This post is available from August 2025 for a fixed-term of 18 months, with the possibility of part-time appointments being considered. Key responsibilities: • Develop and optimise surface chemistries for biomolecular detection of biomarker targets, developing novel bioconjugation strategies.• Establish hyperspectral data acquisition methodologies for Raman-spectroscopy based analysis of complex biofluids.• Establish cross-disciplinary protocols to incorporate the materials into biomedical applications incollaboration with other members of the research team.• Undertake the associated data analysis and interpretation, ensuring validity and reliability of data• at all time, including either developing or liaising with others to use chemometrics, ML/AI algorithms and/or multivariate analysis.• Manage your own research activities, including administrative tasks associated with the project.• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary environment of the Stevens Group and collaborate with external research groups. Selection criteria: • Hold, or be near to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, orrelated field.• Experience in surface chemistry design for biosensing and disease diagnostic applications.• Experience in Raman spectroscopy for point-of-care biosensing applications.• Experience in nanomaterial and chemical-based surface characterisation techniques, such as XPS, AFM, electron microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, etc.• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations, with a proven track record offirst author publications in peer reviewed journals.• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present researchproposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities. What we offer: Your wellbeing at work matters, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:• An excellent contributory pension scheme• 38 days annual leave• A comprehensive range of childcare services• Family leave schemes• Cycle and electric car loan schemes• Employee Assistance Programme• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans While this is a full-time role, we welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.