Advanced Nano-Mechanical Characterisation System with Integrated Fluorescence Microscopy

The University of Sheffield is seeking a complete, turnkey nanoindentation platform with integrated optical microscopy and environmental control capabilities. This high-throughput system will serve as a centrally managed research resource for investigators across Health, Science, and Engineering faculties, plus external academic and industrial partners. The instrument must enable quantitative mechanical characterisation of biological samples including single cells, organoids, tissue sections, extracellular matrices, biomaterials, and engineered tissues. Key requirements include: high-resolution nanoindentation combined with optical microscopy; environmental control for live-cell imaging under physiologically relevant conditions; high-throughput capability using standard multi-well plate formats for large-scale mechanobiology studies and drug screening; and high measurement sensitivity with broad mechanical measurement range. The complete solution should include the nanoindentation platform, integrated imaging system, environmental control module, acquisition and analysis software, computer workstation, installation, commissioning, and comprehensive user training. Preference will be given to systems offering excellent measurement sensitivity, broad mechanical measurement capability, compatibility with live-cell imaging workflows, and flexibility for future research applications.