Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to world‑leading research within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Photon Science Institute at the University of Manchester. You will work in a dynamic and inclusive research environment as part of the EPSRC‑funded Materials Engineering for Advanced Devices (MEAD) Programme Grant, a major collaboration between the University of Manchester, Imperial College London and the University of Leeds.

This is a full‑time, fixed‑term post for 36 months from 1 September 2026.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and simulating material processing procedures for colour‑centre formation
• Delivering experimental studies and developing measurement protocols for photonic and spin‑based characterisation
• Using advanced ultrafast laser, cryogenic and high‑magnetic‑field optical spectroscopy facilities
• Collaborating with academic colleagues within the MEAD programme and external partners to identify new research opportunities
• Disseminating research through high‑quality publications, reports and presentations at conferences and project meetings

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria :

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Strong experience in the fabrication and characterisation of single‑photon emitters or related solid‑state quantum systems
• Experience using ultrafast laser, cryogenic and magnetic‑field‑based characterisation techniques
• Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex experimental data
• Excellent communication, organisational and team‑working skills

Desirable criteria:

• Experience with focused ion beam technologies beyond basic sample preparation
• Experience with photonic or microwave characterisation of doped semiconductor materials
• Experience using modelling and simulation tools (e.g. COMSOL, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python)
• Experience mentoring postgraduate students or early‑career researchers

We value transferable skills, creativity and collaborative working as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Access to world‑class photonic and materials research facilities and extensive professional development support

For more information, please see: www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here.
You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy: www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Professor Richard Curry
Email Address: richard.curry@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Advert information