Research Associate in Quantum Fibre Photonics

About the role

We invite applications for an exciting opportunity in the Centre for Photonics at the University of Bath. The role is a Postdoctoral Research Associate position available for up to 12 months to develop advanced optical fibre technologies for ultraviolet (UV-C) quantum key distribution (QKD) in satellite communication networks. This well-resourced & collaborative project is led by the University of Bristol, with partners at the Universities of Strathclyde and York and Fraunhofer UK, and aims to extend the security benefits of quantum communication to a truly global scale.

Working closely with our collaborators, you will contribute to the development of a hollow-core optical fibre designed to operate in the UV-C spectral region (100–280 nm). The fibre will act as a mode-filtering solution that ensures secure quantum key distribution without disturbing the polarisation encoding—addressing one of the most challenging aspects of satellite-based quantum communication systems.

You will design, fabricate, and characterise hollow-core fibres that are single-moded at UV-C wavelengths & exhibit temperature- & stress-independent polarisation behaviour. Your work will draw on the University of Bath’s research-grade optical fibre fabrication cleanroom and state-of-the-art photonics laboratories. The project offers an opportunity to expand your expertise in fibre fabrication, UV photonics, and quantum technologies, and to contribute to the development of a pathfinder platform for future global quantum networks.

About you

You will hold (or be close to completing) a doctorate in experimental photonics, quantum optics, or a related discipline.

Posess strong experimental skills and a solid understanding of optical waveguides & light–matter interactions are required.

Experience with optical fibre fabrication, hollow-core fibre, or ultraviolet photonics will be advantageous but is not essential.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

Further information

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro-rata per-year

For informal discussions relating to this vacancy please contact Dr Kristina Rusimova, krr22@bath.ac.uk

This role is offered on a full-time (36.5) basis for 12 months.

The Centre for Photonics is a collaborative research environment of around 50 academics, researchers, and postgraduate students. The Department of Physics at the University of Bath is a research-led department committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from groups typically under-represented in UK physics departments.

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 and 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're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

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