Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow in Nanomaterials Engineering with AI

We are seeking an outstanding, creative researcher with the skills to develop novel, ‘artificially intelligent’ approaches to the application of nanofabrication techniques – see, for example https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c04604. Our project - sponsored by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council – aims to improve the efficacy, efficiency and reproducibility of focused ion beam nanofabrication processes for advanced photonic materials and devices, so as to enhance their functionality, optical performance and energy efficiency.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• a PhD or equivalent qualification (or be nearing completion thereof) in Materials Science/Engineering or another subject relevant to the study, development and/or application of nanostructured materials;
• proven practical knowledge and expertise in the field of experimental nanostructured materials research; 
• strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and an ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams;
• a strong track record of research dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

It will be advantageous, but not essential, to have recent experience in one or more of:

• the use of micro/nanofabrication and materials characterization tools; 
• computational multi-physics/electromagnetics modelling and/or the application of machine learning algorithms; 
• experimental optics/(nano)photonics research.

In this role, you will join an interdisciplinary research group at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), with interests ranging from nanophotonics and nanostructured/nanomechanical (meta)materials to optical metrology and the applications of deep learning in photonics.

The ORC is proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising our support for the advancement of women in science. Our diverse community encompasses over 49 nationalities, and we offer a range of initiatives to support personal and professional growth, including mentoring schemes, an Early Career Researchers Forum, and the Women in Optics group. We also offer flexible, hybrid, and part-time working arrangements to help meet individual needs.

As well as a world-class research environment, we offer benefits including a generous holiday allowance, access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), and subsidised health and fitness facilities.

This is a full-time fixed-term position for up to 3 years from October 2025.

The post is available at the level of Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow, depending on experience. For consideration as a Senior Research Fellow, it is essential that you have several years of postdoctoral experience encompassing, for example, project/resource/laboratory management, supervision of other research team members, contribution to research funding proposal.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

For informal enquiries, please write to Prof Kevin MacDonald (kfm@orc.soton.ac.uk).

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