Research Fellow (111375-0326)

About The Role

Informal Queries

For informal queries, please contact Professor Emma MacPherson at E.MacPherson@warwick.ac.uk.

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics Group within the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. We are seeking to appoint an ambitious Research Fellow to undertake research as part of a project developing THz instrumentation for faster diagnosis of cancer. Your research goals will be related to developing and integrating terahertz technology with robotics for applying THz imaging and spectroscopy techniques to detection of skin cancer and other skin conditions as part of the £10M EPSRC funded project, Terabotics. Particular focus will be on developing and integrating novel THz image approaches with a medical grade robot, and speeding up and improving the accuracy of terahertz data acquisition and analysis.

About You

We are looking for someone with a PhD in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Robotics), a proven track record of research in terahertz z technology, eg THz modulation, THz waveguides, THz polarisors, THz antennas, and experience with terahertz time domain spectroscopy equipment including optical alignment, control software and data analysis. You will be an excellent communicator capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a research team. You will be approachable and enthusiastic to help others, particularly PhD students. You will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively. For further information about what we are looking for please see the person specification section of the attached job description. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow , at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

The Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics Group

The Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics group currently comprises 4 members of staff (Lloyd-Hughes, MacPherson, Milot, Wright) and investigates a wide range of topics including medical imaging, technique and device development, and spectroscopy of novel materials. Group members have access to the Warwick Centre for Ultrafast Spectroscopy (WCUS), which is a Research Technology Platform supported by the University. WCUS houses facilities for optical pump/THz probe (OPTP) and THz pump/THz probe (TPTP) spectroscopies in addition to IR and UV-vis pump-probe and steady-state techniques. More information on the Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics group can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics and go.warwick.ac.uk/ultrafast.

The Webpage For Professor Emma MacPherson Is Here

Department of Physics

The post will be based in the Department of Physics, a vibrant academic department with over 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students. We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining excellence in both teaching and research by promoting equality of opportunity for all, within a culture of mutual respect and dignity. We are pleased to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality for all staff and students. We also hold an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award in support of our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Further information about working in the Department of Physics and the benefits available can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.

The University supports flexible working and requests for part-time working or job-share will be considered where possible.

Childcare for Interviews

Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 1st April 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please: Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment). Outline the reasons for your interest in this position. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

Interview Date: April 2026

Start Date: April 2026 (or ASAP thereafter)

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave). Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Research Fellow (111375).pdf – 92KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.