PhD Studentship: Picometre Surface Nanoscale Axial Photonics

Closing Date: 15^th September 2025 [23:59 GMT]

Supervisor: Prof M. Sumetsky

Prospective Start Date: 1 January 2026

Applications are invited for a Postgraduate studentship, supported by Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies to be undertaken within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University.

Financial Support

This studentship includes a bursary to cover the fees rate, plus an annual maintenance allowance of £20,780.

Overseas students are welcome to apply for this position.

Details of the Project

It has recently been recognised that the fabrication of a range of emerging photonic microdevices promising to revolutionise computer, communication, and sensing technologies must be performed with unprecedented picometre (one-hundredth of the atomic size) precision.

The successful candidate for this PhD position will be involved in the experimental and theoretical development of a new technology called Surface Nanoscale Axial Photonics (SNAP), which will enable this astonishing picometre fabrication precision.

Further aims of the project include:

Theoretical modelling of nanoscale effects and processes in SNAP

Development of experimental methods of picometre-precise fabrication of miniature optical devices at the surface of an optical fibre

Applicants are welcome to join the Nanoscale Photonics group of Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AiPT), one of the world’s leading photonics research centres. AiPT cultivates an environment where academics, post-doctoral researchers and PhD students cooperate to overcome major scientific challenges in a welcoming and collegial atmosphere. Our successful track record of scientific achievements ranges from nanoscale and nonlinear photonics and fibre lasers to medical lasers and bio-sensing for healthcare and the high-speed optical communications technology that underpins the internet and the digital economy.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1. 

OR 

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.

Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.

 Preferred skill requirements include:

• Strong analytical and numerical calculation skills and mathematical modelling skills
• Strong skills in solid state physics and quantum mechanics
• Experience in theoretical modelling and experimental investigation of optical devices including optical microresonators

Contact information

For enquiries about this project contact Prof Misha Sumetsky m.sumetsky@aston.ac.uk

Submitting an application

Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificatesfor all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Proposal Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature.
3. A personal statementwhich outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application.
4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research.
5. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
6. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

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