Research Assistant/Associate in Quantum Photonics (Fixed Term)

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on aperiodic quantum photonic devices. 

The Research Assistant/Associate will join the Integrated Quantum Photonics group, based in the Nanoscience Centre at the University of Cambridge, a newly founded research group that works on simulation, nanofabrication and optical characterisation of nano- and quantum photonic devices, integrating quantum light emitters. 

They will work on a research project focused on the development of aperiodic photonic devices embedding light emitter for fundamental quantum optics experiments and for the realisation of single-photon devices and novel nano-lasers with enhanced performances for quantum technology applications. Their work will build upon our recent work in the area [see, for instance, Applied Physics Letters 117, 124006 (2020) and Applied Physics Letters 118, 011103 (2021)]. 

The key responsibilities and duties are: 

• Carry out research in aperiodic photonic devices 
• Build optical setups for spectroscopical characterisation and quantum optics experiments 
• Acquire and analyse data 
• Simulate aperiodic photonic devices 
• Nanofabricate photonic devices 
• Write scientific manuscripts and conference contributions 
• Help with Master/PhD student supervision 

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are: 

Education & qualifications: 

• Applicants should have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or related areas. 

Specialist knowledge & skills: 

• Quantum photonics, quantum optics, nano-photonics, quantum dot and quantum well spectroscopy, nanofabrication, Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations. 

Interpersonal & communication skills: 

• Very good interpersonal and communications skills, including writing scientific manuscripts and delivery of oral presentations. 

Relevant experience: 

• Experience in spectroscopy and quantum optics is highly desirable. 
• Experience in simulations and nanofabrication are desirable but not essential. 

Funding is secured for 24 months. The initial contract will be for 12 months and should be extended, pending satisfactory performances.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: 

Research Assistant: £29,605 - £33,966 

Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the Apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload your CV, including a research publication list, and covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. Any additional documents uploaded, which have not been requested, will not be considered as part of your application. Submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

Please contact Dr Luca Sapienza (ls2052@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role. For queries on the application process, contact: Sue Murkett, email: sm330@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference NM41287 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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