Postdoctoral Research Associate in Applied Optics

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business, and industry.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering, and technology. 

Job Summary

The Research Associate will work on the EPSRC (Part of the UK national research council) project EP/V006312/1 “3D Laser Beam Shaping: The True Potential of Laser Based Manufacturing“. The project aims to combine novel refractive optic design, interference based optical beam shaping and fundamental laser-material interaction studies to develop a new range of focussing optics able to fully control the laser intensity profile in three dimensions.

Detailed Description

Applications for these novel beam shapes include ultra-fast laser material interactions (welding, waveguide inscription etc.), rapid drilling of arbitrarily shaped holes as part of semiconductor processing, and medical (surgical) applications.

The project is in collaboration with four partners: (i) PowerPhotonic Ltd and (ii) Gooch & Housego Plc. provide expertise in the manufacture of optics including world leading, unique capabilities in manufacturing free form optics. (iii) Oxford Lasers provide expertise in laser systems engineering and, along with (iv) the St James’s University Hospital in Leeds are potential end users, with specific application requirements for these optics.

The applicant will be expected to work directly with Dr Richard Carter (PI), Prof. Jonathan Shephard (CoI), Prof. Duncan Hand (CoI), PhD students and a second PDRA already working on the project. This post will include a combination of experimental optical (laser materials interaction) work and/or theoretical beam propagation modelling.

Key duties and responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. 
• General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students. 
• The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision-making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, theoretical models and data analysis. 
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators, assisting in the development of student research skills, and contributing to teaching (lab and tutorial demonstrations) in relevant taught courses within Physics and Engineering. 
• The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the public and preparation of experimental demonstrators for use in schools. 

Essential Criteria 

Applicants must have:

• Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant area of Physics or Engineering or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position). 
• Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports / papers and by oral presentation. 
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results. 
• Theoretical or experimental experience of in an area of direct relevance to the project. 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility. 
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt out with the specific project and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities.

About our Team

The High Power Laser Applications (HPLA) group is part of the multi-national Applied Optics and Photonics  Group (AOP: http://www.aop.hw.ac.uk/) at Heriot-Watt University. The HPLA group uses a wide range of laser sources (from CW through to ultra-short pulsed lasers) to address issues in laser-material processing. As a result almost all of our research is either sponsored by or in collaboration with industry with applications in laser manufacturing, surface modification and medical treatments. 

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

https://enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/3684/?utm_medium=jobshare 

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.