Department of Physics Jobs

The VISIONLab, led by Prof. Sarah Bohndiek, create and deploy state-of-the-art spectroscopic imaging tools to improve early cancer detection. We are co-located in the Department of Physics and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute at the University of Cambridge, providing us with a direct pathway from initial testing of brand-new hardware, to application in animal models and deployment in proof-of-principle human clinical trials at Addenbrooke's Hospital, accelerating our healthcare impact.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our collaborative research environment to advance the development of equitable wearable technologies. Combining optical simulations and experimental studies, the successful candidate will conduct their own research project and support ongoing efforts in the laboratory exploring the limit of detection of transcutaneous and deep tissue imaging. The project is part of a major EPSRC-funded initiative, the Ubiquitous Optical Healthcare Technologies (UbOHTs) Programme Grant, which focuses on developing the next-generation of biosensors for precision health and is a collaboration between the Universities of Cambridge, York, Strathclyde and Exeter. Involvement in the programme grant will provide opportunities for training, networking and developing leadership skills on a national and international scale.

The VISIONLab is seeking a highly motivated and curiosity-driven individual who has completed undergraduate training in computer science, mathematics, or physics. Demonstrable experience in successful delivery of computational research projects and a high level of confidence in Python programming is essential. Practical knowledge of experimental implementation of optical imaging instrumentation and performing the associated data handling and analysis is also essential. Experience in Monte Carlo modelling of light-tissue interactions, an understanding of computational image reconstruction, or experience in biomedical image analysis would also be desirable. It is essential that the individual demonstrate a strong open-science ethos.

You should be able to demonstrate a strong scientific track record including paper, data, and open-source code publication, as well as presentation at international research conferences, commensurate with their research experience. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the laboratory, excellent communication and team working skills are essential. Key responsibilities will likely include: advanced computational modelling and simulation; conducting experimental validation of computational findings; and supporting graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the laboratory.

For more information on the research of the laboratory, please see http://www.bohndieklab.org. The successful candidate would ideally start as soon as possible after receiving the offer. Support is provided towards relocation expenses where appropriate.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to molly.bridger@cruk.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA46621 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are for 12 months, starting on 1st October 2025.

A position exists for a Research Associate in the Physics and Chemistry of Solids research group at the Cavendish Laboratory (Physics Department).

The aim of the role is to explore damage characterisation of composite and related materials by quantifying the relationship between damage causal metrics and damage extend or mechanism.

During the 12-month period of the contract, the successful candidate will undertake the following research activities:

• Selection and acquisition/preparation of materials to be studied
• Application of damage to the prepared samples over a range of temperatures and strain rates, extracting quantitative causal metrics.
• Characterisation of damage, using X-ray computed tomography and mechanical testing for measurement of the residual strength of the samples post-damage, extracting quantitative damage metrics.
• Identification of the relationship between the causal and damage metrics.
• Production of a report to communicate the important findings to the community of interest, with the potential for presenting the outcome in a relevant conference.

The role holder will have the opportunity to use new, state-of-the-art X-ray computed tomography equipment, which will be part of the Collaborative R&D Environment (CORDE) in the Ray Dolby Centre of the Cavendish Laboratory. They will collaborate with specialist technicians within the facility, fellow researchers in the PCS group, and non-academic partners within the community of interest.

Appointment at Research Associate is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD and those who are in the process of submitting their PhD thesis (in which case appointment will initially be made at research assistant, Grade 5, and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded). On receipt of PhD award, the appointee will move to Grade 7.

The ideal candidate will have a background in damage characterisation. Essential prerequisites include experience using X-ray computed tomography and laboratory experience including chemical, x-ray, cryogen, compressed gasses safety and training records. Knowledge of image processing techniques and relevant programming languages that facilitate these, is also essential.

The post holder will be located at the Ray Dolby Centre, Cavendish Laboratory 19 JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0US, UK.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant £34,132 (Grade 5) or Research Associate £37,174- £45,413 (Grade 7).

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter, in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

Please be advised that references will be required in advance of interviews, for longlisted candidates.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Dr Malvina Constantinou (mc954@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference KA46597 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Department of Physics is looking for a Finance Assistant to join their friendly team during an exciting period. The Department has recently taken occupancy of its new, state of the art, research facility, the Ray Dolby Centre.

We are based on the West Cambridge site and the role supports the finance administration needs of the Department of Physics.

The successful candidate will primarily support the AP Accounts Payable and expense processing function within the Physics Department. Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to; carrying out financial management and reporting activities on both general ledger accounts and research grants; provide financial advice to budget holders; assist with month-end, half year-end and year-end processes; ensure recharges and expenses are processed in a timely manner; contribute to the review of financial processes and procedures to ensure compliance with the University's Financial Regulations and cover for other Finance staff when required.

The ideal candidate will be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent qualification) in Maths and English, and have experience in an accounts-based role, with use of accountancy software packages and relevant reporting tools. You will have intermediate to advanced Excel skills in data manipulation and the presentation of financial information, good numerical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, as well as accuracy and the ability to work to tight deadlines.

In return we offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement (36 days inclusive of bank holidays), a wide range of benefits known as CAMbens, family friendly policies to help maintain the work-life balance as well as development opportunities.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Paul Game at finance.advisor@phy.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA46504 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Isaac Science project are looking for a biologist/biochemist who is passionate about teaching and widening participation at university to join the Isaac team. The role holder will work as part of the Isaac team of physicists, mathematicians, chemist and biologist, to support students nationally in raising their attainment and applications to research intensive universities. This is to be achieved through the Isaac Science free online platform and through a weekly programme of work and tutorials in our STEM SMART programme (https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/stem-smart) which will develop a deeper understanding of biology and mathematical biology through problem solving.

As the project biologist, the role holder will be tasked with the production, quality assurance and delivery of online and print resources. Some source materials will be provided as a starting point and catalyst. They will develop resources to cover core topics within the school biology curriculum that are fundamental to future study in biology from key stage 4 through to university with direction from the senior project biologist and the assistant director of Isaac Science. They will be required to deliver online tutorials to both large (~500) and small groups (10) of students as well as prepare and deliver in person lectures.

It is essential that candidates have a degree in biology or biochemistry and experience of teaching at secondary to sixth form level (but need not necessarily have qualified teacher status or a PGCE). They will also ideally have taught students at university level and have detailed knowledge of the UK school curriculum and its content. It is vital that the role holder has an excellent eye for detail and accuracy but can also deliver to tight timescales and efficiently. Successful candidates will have excellent IT skills with significant experience of working with LaTeX, html, drawing packages such as Inkscape and video packages such as Camtasia.

The role is full-time and the role holder will ideally be in post by the beginning of January 2026. We are open to job sharing for this role, for example, two people working 0.5 FTE. The length of the contract is to 31st January 2029 in the first instance with a potential extension (subject to funding).

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete a pre-interview task and an in person task on the day of their interview. Interviews are scheduled to take place at the beginning of the week commencing 1st September 2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 January 2029 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquires are welcome and should be directed to David Taylor (dst28@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference KA46442 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Isaac Science project are looking for a chemist/biochemist who is passionate about teaching and widening participation at university to join the Isaac team. The role holder will work as part of the Isaac team of physicists, mathematicians, chemist and biologist, to support students nationally in raising their attainment and applications to research intensive universities. This is to be achieved through the Isaac Science free online platform and through a weekly programme of work and tutorials in our STEM SMART programme (https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/stem-smart) which will develop a deeper understanding of chemistry through problem solving.

As the project chemist, the role holder will be tasked with the production, quality assurance and delivery of online and print resources. Some source materials will be provided as a starting point and catalyst. They will develop resources to cover core topics within the school chemistry curriculum that are fundamental to future study in chemistry from key stage 4 through to university with direction from the senior project chemist and the assistant director of Isaac Science. They will be required to deliver online tutorials to both large (~500) and small groups (10) of students as well as prepare and deliver in person lectures.

It is essential that candidates have a degree in chemistry or biochemistry and experience of teaching at secondary to sixth form level (but need not necessarily have qualified teacher status or a PGCE). They will also ideally have taught students at university level and have detailed knowledge of the UK school curriculum and its content. It is vital that the role holder has an excellent eye for detail and accuracy but can also deliver to tight timescales and efficiently. Successful candidates will have excellent IT skills with significant experience of working with LaTeX, HTML, drawing packages such as Inkscape and video packages such as Camtasia.

The role is full-time and the role holder will ideally be in post by the beginning of January 2026. We are open to job sharing for this role, for example, two people working 0.5 FTE. The length of the contract is to 31st January 2029 in the first instance with a potential extension (subject to funding).

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete a pre-interview task and an in person task on the day of their interview. Interviews are scheduled to take place at the beginning of the week commencing 1st September 2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 January 2029 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquires are welcome and should be directed to David Taylor (dst28@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference KA46443 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The Isaac Science project are looking for a physicist who is passionate about teaching and widening participation at university to join the Isaac team. The role holder will work as part of the Isaac team of physicists, mathematicians, chemists and biologists, to support students nationally in raising their attainment and applications to research intensive universities. This is to be achieved through the Isaac Science free online platform and through a weekly programme of work and tutorials in our STEM SMART programme of work and tutorials in our STEM SMART programme (https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/stem-smart) which will develop a deeper understanding of chemistry through problem solving.

As a project physicist, the role holder will be tasked with the production, quality assurance and delivery of online and print resources. They will develop resources to cover core topics within the school physics curriculum that are fundamental to future study in physics from key stage 3 through to university with direction from the assistant director of Isaac Science. They will be required to deliver online tutorials to both large (~500) and small groups (10) of students as well as prepare and deliver in person lectures.

This role holder will report to the associate director of Isaac Science and in addition to content development and delivery they will assist the associate director in event coordination and management, particularly with respect to the STEM SMART programme and residential.

It is essential that candidates have a degree in physics/engineering or applied mathematics and experience of teaching at secondary to sixth form level (but need not necessarily have qualified teacher status or a PGCE). They will also ideally have taught students at university level and have detailed knowledge of the UK school curriculum and its content. It is vital that the role holder has an excellent eye for detail and accuracy but can also deliver to tight timescales and efficiently. Successful candidates will have excellent IT skills with significant experience of working with LaTeX, html, drawing packages such as Inkscape and video packages such as Camtasia.

The role is full-time and the role holder will ideally be in post by the beginning of January 2026. We are open to job sharing for this role, for example, two people working 0.5 FTE. The length of the contract is to 31st January 2029 in the first instance with a potential extension (subject to funding).

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete a pre-interview task and an in person task on the day of their interview. Interviews are scheduled to take place at the beginning of the week commencing 1st September 2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 January 2029 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquires are welcome and should be directed to David Taylor (dst28@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference KA46446 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

We are seeking a Research Associate to join a research group led by Professor Ulrich Keyser, focusing on biosensing approaches with solid-state nanopores. The lab is composed of around 10 researchers with backgrounds ranging from biophysics to biology. The aim of this 15-month project is to design, assemble and test DNA and RNA nanostructures that can be used to count the number of RNA molecules extracted from cells. The cells can be both pro- and eukaryotic. In addition, with the help of DNA nanotechnology, the successful candidate will quantify the frequency of RNA modifications using nanopore sensing.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 15 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Professor Ulrich Keyser at ufk20@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA46233 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.