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Research Fellow in Single-Molecule Biophysics
Salary £33,045 - £38,026 (pro rata)
Full time 37 hours per week / Fixed term 16 months
About the Role
You will join an interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of nanotechnology, biophysics, and single-molecule sensing. In this role, you will design, develop, and apply nanopore- and optical-based platforms to study biomolecular processes at the single-molecule level, with a focus on proteins in native environments.
You will take a hands-on role in experimental design, data acquisition, and quantitative analysis, contributing directly to high-quality publications and research outputs. You will work closely with academic colleagues, PhD students, and external collaborators, and you will have opportunities to help shape the scientific direction of the project.
This is a role for someone who enjoys building experiments, solving problems, and interpreting complex data. You might be running single-molecule measurements the next, and analysing stochastic signals or writing a paper the next day. We are looking for a motivated researcher with a background in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline, and experience (or strong interest) in areas such as nanopores, single-molecule biophysics, nanofabrication, or advanced optical/electrical measurements.
Interviews: week commencing: 4th May 2026
You don’t need to meet every requirement to apply. We value curiosity, initiative, and a collaborative mindset, and we are committed to supporting flexible working patterns and diverse career paths. If you can see yourself growing in this role, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.
In the Department of Engineering we deliver research and teaching in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and sport engineering. We are building a global reputation in areas including human performance and human factors, future materials, biomedical engineering, and robotics. We are working with industrial partners in technology, automotive, aircraft, marine, healthcare engineering, and with sports teams to help them beat world records.
For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr Cuifeng Ying at cuifeng.ying@ntu.ac.uk.
Join Us
- 30 - 35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
- Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
- Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
- Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
- Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
- Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
- And a whole lot more…Find out more about the range of benefits we offer.
Come and be part of our success. Apply today.
Safe and Inclusive
At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.
Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. For more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.
