Job Description

Salary

The starting salary will begin at 43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

Contractual hours

36.5

Package

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

19/01/2026

Job reference

Q12314

Environment, Science and Economy

This EPSRC funded post is available full-time on a fixed-term contract from now until February 2029

The post

The EPSRC have funded the University of Exeter and the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to undertake an exciting multi-disciplinary project Clear SERS.

We have an exciting opportunity to participate in a research project to develop a novel concept combining Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) and ultrasound for enhanced chemically specific imaging deep inside biological tissue. The full-time position is funded through a recently awarded EPSRC grant for three years.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research scientist to focus on the development of novel metallic nanoparticle SERS systems for utilisation with the clear SERS imaging instrumentation.

The candidate will benefit from working in a vibrant internationally leading research environment. Advanced training and researcher development will be provided as part of the programme.

We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, based in Exeter, to participate in the above project. This EPSRC funded post is available from now until 28th February 2029. The post will be a key part of a team of leading scientists working to develop engineering and physical science solutions to solve the clinical needs in patient specific diagnosis and effective treatment of cancers.

Specifically, we seek to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work in our Raman Nanotheranostic (rant-medicine.com) labs at the interface between the disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology and medicine. In the Exeter labs we will require the PDRF to work on and support following activities:

Developing highly sensitive Raman SERS systems for use at depth in tissues. Developing SERS systems able to be modified by externally applied fields. Working closely with team using deep Raman / SORS readout methods to ensure NP design matches need of novel instrumentation to deliver desired effect.

About you

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD in Physics / Chemistry / other Natural Sciences in a related field of study. The successful applicant will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the one of the disciplines and be able rapidly assimilate information to gain a working knowledge of the other cross-disciplinary fields within the programme. You will be an organised and efficient team player able to interact positively with all members of the team.

Ideally, you will have extensive experience in novel SERS nanoparticle synthesis, be that different geometries, clusters, reporter labels, functionalisation. Experience in Raman biospectroscopy, data analysis would be an desirable. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, help to supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants should have knowledge, skills and experience to be able to contribute significantly across at least one of the above activity areas.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

What we can offer you

The project offers the opportunity to work with external partners at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to develop advanced deep Raman imaging in conjunction with your NPs. Training in advanced deep Raman and Biomedical application of Raman and SERS. Wider laboratory management skills. The project team will work closely together and develop creative solutions in partnership with clinicians and industry. The department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to equality and diversity, being recently awarded IoP Juno Champion and Athena Swan Silver status in recognition of this. Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career; A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning

Devon.*



For further information please contact Prof Nick Stone (RaNT Programme Director), e-mail n.stone@ex.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 726531; Dr Suzy Eldershaw (RaNT Programme Manager), e-mail s.eldershaw@ex.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 723618

Interviews are expected to take place on as soon as possible after the deadline.