Senior Optical Instrumentation Development Technician at UCL

Ref Number

B04-07800

Professional Expertise

Laboratory Technical and Lab Support

Department

UCL BEAMS (B04)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

£43,981-£54,019​

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

28-Nov-2026

About us

The Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL) within the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at University College London (UCL) is one of the world's leading centres for the development and clinical translation of optical technologies for monitoring and imaging human physiology and metabolism. The laboratory brings together physicists, engineers, neuroscientists and clinicians to develop innovative solutions that address major biomedical and healthcare challenges.

The post will be based within Professor Ilias Tachtsidis' research programme, where he leads the MultiModal Spectroscopy Group and the MetaboLight Team, and is a senior member of BORL. Professor Tachtsidis is internationally recognised for pioneering broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (bNIRS), a unique optical technology capable of non-invasively quantifying tissue oxygenation, haemodynamics and mitochondrial metabolism through measurement of the oxidation state of cytochrome-c-oxidase. His multidisciplinary research spans optical technology development, neuroscience, computational modelling and clinical translation, with applications ranging from neonatal brain health and neurodevelopmental disorders to acute brain injury and neurological disease.

About the role

Applications are invited for a Senior Optical Instrumentation Development Technician to join the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at University College London (UCL). The successful candidate will join the internationally renowned Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory (BORL) and work within the programme led by Professor Ilias Tachtsidis, who leads the MultiModal Spectroscopy Group and the MetaboLight Team and is a senior member of BORL. Professor Tachtsidis' work is internationally recognised for pioneering broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (bNIRS), a unique technology capable of non-invasively monitoring tissue oxygenation, haemodynamics and mitochondrial metabolism.

The position is funded through the newly established Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre of Research Excellence for Human Neural Development, a landmark partnership between King's College London, University College London and the University of Manchester. The Centre aims to transform our understanding of early human brain development through the integration of advanced imaging technologies, experimental neuroscience, artificial intelligence and clinical research.

This exciting technical role will focus on the development, integration, testing and deployment of next-generation optical neuroimaging technologies designed to characterise early brain health across multiple biological scales, from vascular function and oxygen delivery to cellular metabolism and mitochondrial activity. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) systems and associated instrumentation platforms for laboratory and clinical applications.

The role will involve substantial hands-on work in electronic circuit and PCB design, software development for instrument control and data acquisition, optical system integration, rapid prototyping, 3D printing, testing, calibration and technical documentation. The post holder will work closely with engineers, researchers and clinicians to develop robust and reliable instrumentation suitable for deployment in research and clinical environments, including collaborations with King's College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. In addition to supporting the Centre's instrumentation activities, the post holder will provide technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching laboratories within the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, including Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics programmes.

This post offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading biomedical technology development within one of the UK's foremost biomedical optics groups.

About you

This post offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading biomedical technology development within one of the UK's foremost biomedical optics groups.

This post offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading biomedical technology development within one of the UK's foremost biomedical optics groups. The appointment will be offered on a fixed-term basis for seven years in the first instance, commencing on 1 October 2026, with the expectation that the role will transition into a permanent technical position within the Department, subject to satisfactory performance and departmental requirements.

Key Requirements:

• Essential requirements include:

• Experience in the design, development and testing of electronic and instrumentation systems.

• Experience in electronic circuit and PCB design, prototyping and troubleshooting. Experience in software development for instrumentation control, automation and data acquisition.

• Experience in system integration involving electronic, optical and mechanical components.

• Experience using CAD software and rapid prototyping methods, including 3D printing. Experience using laboratory electronic test and measurement equipment. Knowledge of electrical safety testing and good engineering practice.

• Strong technical problem-solving skills and the ability to prepare technical documentation and reports. Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary technical and scientific teams.

• Experience in biomedical optics, medical devices, clinical technologies, and knowledge of medical device, electrical safety or laser/light safety standards would be advantageous.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ilias Tachtsidis, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, UCL (i.tachtsidis@ucl.ac.uk).

What we offer

Standard UCL Benefits:

• 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)

• Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave

• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan

• Relocation support for eligible posts

• On-site nursery and gym

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay

• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)

• Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

• Find out about the UCL Ways of Working: www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronxze award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy