Research Associate in Applied Photonics and Manufacturing

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. 

Detailed Description

An exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to pioneer radical approaches to manufacturing microstructured optical fibres for next-gen technologies. The successful candidate will work as part of a small team to develop laser-based glass processing techniques and to design and manufacture novel optical fibres. The PDRA position is funded under a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme project and is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Bath.  Conventionally, fibre-optic communication relies on solid-core glass optical fibre for signal transmission.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• We are looking for a creative and self-motivated researcher willing to play a formative role in a new research group in a novel area of photonics. 
• Willingness to work with others is essential, as is effective communication skills and an appropriate publication record.  
• Experience with laser material processing or glass processing is highly desirable, but motivated candidates that can demonstrate innovative thinking and problem solving applied to related areas will also be considered.  
• The successful candidate will be expected to design and construct experimental optomechanical systems, design and simulate both free-space and fibre optic systems, align and use ultrafast laser systems and implement novel adaptive optics. 
• An understanding of handling and cleaning optics is essential, and experience working in a cleanroom environment is beneficial. 
• The PDRA will be responsible for implementing safe working lab practices including the use of high-power lasers and corrosive chemicals.  
• The candidate will be expected to engage with industry partners and stakeholders, attend meetings, write reports and deliver presentations.  

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• A passion for delivering high-quality, responsible research within a diverse team and promoting a healthy research culture. 
• A PhD in a relevant area of Physics, or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position).  
• A track-record demonstrating an ability to articulate research work via written technical reports, academic publishing and by oral presentation.  
• A demonstrable competence designing, constructing and using optical systems. 
• Motivation to deliver real-world impact. 
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of flexible research ability and problem solving. 
• Ability and willingness to learn new skills and capabilities appropriate to your role and how it evolves.  

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

https://enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/3925/?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/. 

Advert information