Research Associate in Optical Frequency Combs and Microresonators

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our team as part of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)-funded project: “Towards Power-Efficient Microresonator Frequency Combs.”

This project explores microresonator-based optical frequency combs and dissipative optical solitons—disruptive technologies poised to surpass conventional fibre-laser-based combs. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing this field by investigating the unique properties of ring microresonators for frequency comb generation, developing numerical models, designing photonic chips, and publishing high-impact research.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a dynamic and supportive environment. The position is designed to help you develop as an independent researcher while gaining exposure to a broad network of academic and industrial collaborators.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct numerical modelling and design of optical microresonators using commercial Maxwell equation solvers.
• Develop and implement numerical codes to solve sets of nonlinear equations modelling resonator dynamics, frequency comb generation, and soliton formation.
• Liaise with photonic foundries to prepare and submit photonic chip designs.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues doing experimental research.
• Prepare and disseminate research findings through journal publications and conference presentations.
• Build a strong publication record and network actively within national and international research communities.
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD students and support the development of new research directions.

About you

• You will hold a PhD (or near completion) in physics, optical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Have a background in nonlinear optics and numerical modelling.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative projects.
• A passion for science, a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary environment.

Desirable

• Experience with theory and modelling of optical solitons.
• Experience with commercial simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical).

Additional information

For an informal discussion relating to this vacancy, please contact:

Prof Dmitry Skryabin d.v.skryabin@bath.ac.uk

Interviews will be held from the 6th - 8th August 2025.

This is a full time, fixed-term position for 30 months.

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more

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