PhD in High-Speed Fluorescence Lifetime Photometry for Cardiac Imaging and Quantum Photonics
The University of Glasgow, in partnership with the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Quantum Technology (AQT CDT), is offering a PhD opportunity in High-Speed Fluorescence Lifetime Photometry for Optical Cardiac Electrophysiology. This interdisciplinary project sits at the interface of quantum photonics, ultrafast imaging, advanced microscopy, and cardiac electrophysiology. The research aims to advance fluorescence-lifetime optical electrophysiology, a cutting-edge, motion-robust approach for mapping voltage and calcium dynamics in live, contracting cardiomyocytes and heart tissue.
The successful candidate will join the Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow and collaborate with industry partner Clyde Biosciences. The project involves developing hybrid instrumentation that combines SPAD-based lifetime imaging with photomultiplier photometry, enabling kHz-rate, picosecond-precision measurements. The student will also advance computational methods for noise suppression and fast lifetime extraction, and apply these technologies to iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and ex-vivo rabbit heart tissue. The research has significant translational potential in cardiotoxicity screening, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine.
Students will receive expert training in ultrafast optics, quantum-enabled imaging, detector physics, and quantitative physiology, and will benefit from collaboration with a leading industrial partner. The skills acquired will open pathways into photonics, biomedical device development, quantum sensing, and advanced imaging R&D. The AQT CDT provides a vibrant research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a strong network of academic and industrial collaborators.
Applicants should have a strong background in physics, engineering, or a related STEM field, and an interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and biomedicine. Experience in quantum photonics, optics, imaging, or computational methods is desirable. The position is funded through the AQT CDT, typically covering tuition fees and providing a stipend for living expenses. Further details about the project and application process can be found on the AQT CDT website.
Applications open on November 12, 2025. Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend the AQT CDT annual recruitment event on January 15, 2026, at the University of Glasgow, where they can discuss the project and ask questions. For more information, visit the project links or contact Professor Caroline Muellenbroich.
