Junaid Ahmad

Dr. Ahmad is an academic specializing in electrical and electronic instrumentation, devices, imaging and sensing systems, and data processing pipelines. He brings 15 years of international experience across academia, having held lecturer, instructor, and research roles in Pakistan, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.

He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) from the University of the Punjab, Lahore (2010), and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia (2012), respectively. He later completed a PhD in EEE at the University of Nottingham, UK. His doctoral research focused on developing a novel small-animal imaging platform integrating optical (laser) and ultrasound techniques to enhance in vivo imaging resolution and sensitivity.

This work involved collaboration with researchers in life sciences and computer science, including partners at the University of Birmingham, and required expertise in instrumentation, control systems, and signal processing. Dr. Ahmad combines strong theoretical knowledge with practical engineering expertise, enabling him to translate complex concepts into real-world engineering solutions.

He is well positioned for academic roles in EEE and advanced R&D positions.

Associate Lecturer - Electrical and Electronic Engineering - University of Derby - Derby, UK

(2025-12)

As an Associate Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Derby, contributing to undergraduate and degree apprenticeship programmes. Role involves teaching, assessment, academic support, and curriculum delivery across a range of core EEE subjects, including power electronics, digital signal processing, and instrumentation and control system. Most recently, responsible for leading and teaching the Analogue and Digital Electronics module, supporting students in bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical engineering skills.

• Delivering scheduled lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions
• Preparing teaching materials, learning resources, and reading lists
• Maintaining accurate university records and submitting marks and feedback to the module leader for assessment boards
• Contributing to assessment design, marking, moderation, and the electronic submission of marks
• Supporting students in independent and project-based activities
• Participating in relevant team meetings, and ensuring compliance with Health & Safety regulations and university policies

Research Fellow - Biomedical Thermoacoustic Imaging Instrumentation - University of Birmingham - Birmingham, UK

(2025-01 - 2026-01)

Worked on the development of a high-precision biomedical imaging instrument combining RF/microwave excitation with ultrasound detection for tissue characterization. This technique, known as Thermoacoustic Imaging, enables differentiation of tissue types based on their water and fat content. It has significant potential for the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease.

The project was funded by the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre.

• Designing and constructing high-precision imaging instrumentation (scanner) integrating RF/microwave sources with ultrasound detectors
• Developing experimental bench-top systems, including antenna assemblies, detection modules, and high-speed digitizer integration
• Leading prototype development, testing, and performance optimization in complex laboratory environments
• Implementing software-controlled operation and automated data acquisition, using custom-built control interfaces

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Optics and Biophotonics - University of Sheffield - Sheffield, UK

(2022-02 - 2025-01)

Developed an advanced dual-band 1300 nm and 1600 nm optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument to improve imaging depth and diagnostic capability for inflammatory skin disorders. This project was funded LEO foundation (https://leo-foundation.org/en/).

• Engineered, optimized, and characterized a dual-wavelength (1300 nm / 1600 nm) fiber-optic OCT imaging system, integrating a supercontinuum laser source, MEMS scanner, OCT scan objective, and dual spectrometers with InGaAs linescan detectors
• Developed custom control and acquisition software using MATLAB, enabling automated operation of lasers, cameras, and scanning components, and real-time OCT image generation
• Conducted evaluation of the dual-wavelength OCT system under departmental ethical approval (reference number: 064075), imaging artificially induced inflammatory patches on healthy volunteers in collaboration with the Sheffield Dermatology Research (https://sheffielddermatologyresearch.com/) at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield

Research Fellow - Optics and Quantum Sensing - University of Warwick - Warwick, UK

(2021-01 - 2021-12)

Worked on the development of a diamond-based RF sensing instrument exploiting optically active nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres for high-bandwidth detection of radio-frequency signals.

• Authored a technical whitepaper analysing critical performance parameters of NV-based RF sensing, including sensing modalities, sensitivity limits, bandwidth, and spatial resolution
• Developed a diamond-based light-sheet microscopy/spectroscopy platform for RF detection using NV centres, integrating optical, electronic, and microwave subsystems
• Constructed and tested prototype instrumentation, incorporating precision optical alignment, a magnetic Halbach array, and detector integration
• Designed and executed RF detection experiments using NV-diamond platform and developed PYTHON-based control and acquisition software for system operation

Research Fellow - Quantum Sensing for Biomedical Imaging - University of Nottingham - Nottingham, UK

(2019-03 - 2020-06)

Developed a quantum diamond spectrometer for nanoscale optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) bioimaging and sensing of metabolites in cancer cell biofluids. This work aimed to identify metabolite signatures relevant for cancer screening, with potential applications for minimally invasive diagnostics, such as analysis of nipple aspirate for breast cancer detection.

• Engineered a widefield microscope for quantum diamond spectrometry to detect metabolite signatures in biofluids
• Constructed high-precision experimental setups with optical beam alignment and sensitive signal detection
• Developed LabVIEW-based control software for quantum sensing protocols, enabling detection of nuclear and electronic spins using laser and microwave pulse sequences, as well as relaxometry measurements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Biophotonics / Optical imaging - University of Nottingham - Nottingham, UK

(2014-10 - 2018-10)

Pursued PhD course in Optics and Biophotonics at the University of Nottingham, UK. Doctoral dissertation aimed to develop a novel small animal imaging platform that combines in vivo light-emitting probes (i.e., bioluminescence) and ultrasound to enhance the spatial resolution and sensitivity of optical imaging. This was achieved by maximising the quantity of data obtained from the underlying unknown using the concept of ultrasound modulated optical tomography (USMOT).

This research was part of a strategic grant funded by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (https://nc3rs.org.uk/our-portfolio/ultrasound-mediated-bioluminescence-tomography-high-sensitivity-high-spatial), with the goal of providing more accurate data and reducing the number of animals required for experiments.

• Designed an appropriate hybrid acousto-optic system capable of detecting ultrasound-modulated optical signals
• Developed a LabVIEW-based interface for controlling and automating the entire imaging system to collect the datasets
• Characterised the detection system in terms of modulation depth and signal-to-noise ratio of the received luminescent signals from a low-intensity light source
• Conducted imaging of light sources with intensities comparable to typical bioluminescent sources embedded within tissue-like 'Phantoms' to mimic in vivo experiments
• Localised multiple light sources in real ex vivo biological media (e.g., chicken breast)
• Demonstrated the system's performance using a real bioluminescent source within a scattering medium

Lecturer - Electrical and Electronic Engineering - University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore - Lahore, Pakistan

(2012-09 - 2020-09)

Worked as a Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, KSK Campus, Pakistan.

• Delivered undergraduate teaching in core EEE modules, including Electric Circuits and Network Analysis, Analogue Electronics, Digital Logic Design, Power Electronics, Embedded Systems and Control System Engineering
• Conducted laboratory sessions and assessments using relevant instrumentation and software tools to support practical learning
• Prepared, administered, and marked examinations, quizzes, assignments, and laboratory assessments, providing constructive feedback to support student learning and progression
• Provided academic guidance and mentorship to undergraduate students, particularly in supervising final year projects through design, development, implementation, and presentation stages
• Contributed to curriculum development and continuous improvement of course content in line with international academic standards
• Supported inclusive student learning by providing academic support tailored to diverse student needs and abilities
• Participated in departmental committees and activities related to industrial visits, internships, and student engagement initiatives
• Assisted in organising academic and career-focused events, including seminars, engineering symposiums, and open house exhibitions
• Engaged in workshops, meetings, and professional development activities to enhance teaching practice and academic contribution

Research Officer - Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS - Perak, Malaysia

(2010-08 - 2011-12)

Worked as a Research Officer at the Centre for Intelligent Signal and Imaging Research (HICOE-CISIR) at EEE Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Perak, Malaysia.

• Conducted research on the project titled 'A Novel Algorithm for Estimation of Depth in 3D Applications Using Focus and Defocus Cues', and reported findings and progress to the Principal Investigator
• Served as a Teaching Assistant for core EEE modules, including Signal and Image Processing, Electrical Machines, and Modern Control Systems
• Supported module delivery by assisting in the preparation and delivery of teaching materials, tutorials, lectures, and laboratory sessions
• Contributed to assessment activities, including preparation of assignments, quizzes, and examination materials, as well as marking and providing feedback to students
• Assisted in laboratory-based teaching and supported students in understanding theoretical and practical concepts in engineering modules

Internee - Frequency Allocation Board - Lahore, Pakistan

(2009-05 - 2009-07)

Worked at Spectrum Monitoring Station of Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) of Pakistan for a period of summer vacation, 2009, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan.

Final Year Project Work - ZONG (China Mobile) Cellular Company - Lahore, Pakistan

(2009-01 - 2009-12)

Worked at the Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) of ZONG, Lahore, Pakistan for final year project during year 2009.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Majors in Electronic Instrumentation and Photonics) - The University of Nottingham (2014-10 - 2018-07)

Master of Engineering (M.Sc. by Research) - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Computer Vision and Machine Learning) - Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (2010-01 - 2012-01)

Bachelor (B.Sc.) - Electrical Engineering - University of the Punjab (2006-01 - 2010-01)