Research Fellow in Quantum Wavelength Conversion

Full Time Fixed Term until 30/09/2027

Join Our Team – Research Fellow Opportunity at the Optoelectronics Research Centre

We are seeking a Research Fellow with a strong background in nonlinear optics for single / paired photon generation and measurement to join our team at the University of Southampton in collaboration with our industrial partners at Covesion Ltd.

This role sits at the boundary between nonlinear optics and quantum technology, investigating the use of commercial grade materials for generation and conversion of single photons between visible and infrared wavelengths. The main goal is to design and characterise Periodically-Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) and Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) waveguides for single- and paired-photon generation at application-driven wavelengths for quantum-enhanced imaging, computing, and networks.

Are you a photonics engineer excited to contribute to breakthroughs in quantum optics, precision sensing, and next-generation photonic systems? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

We invite applications to join our welcoming and collaborative team of world-leading researchers at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton. With over 350 staff and students, the ORC is an internationally recognised hub for cutting-edge research, delivering real-world impact across photonics, manufacturing, communication, healthcare, environmental and quantum technologies.

About the Role

As a valued member of our team, you will play a key role in the design and characterisation of nonlinear optical waveguides for use in commercially relevant applications.

You will work on:

• Design of experiments to convert photons between the visible and infrared ranges
• Design of nonlinear optical devices for photon level conversion in PPLN and TFLN
• Optical characterisation at the classical and single-photon level
• Operation and maintenance of our suite of SNSPDs
• Application of the devices with our industrial and academic partners

A core feature of this role is collaboration with our partners at Covesion to help translate our research into tangible innovations for the UK’s growing photonics and quantum sectors.

Your Responsibilities

As part of the role, you will be required to operate and maintain state-of-the-art optical test and characterisation equipment, liaise with our project partners, design innovative devices, publish results in leading journals, and investigate the potential to commercialise your outputs. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help us create high-performance optical components that advance our research goals and commercial partnerships.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek a talented research fellow with skills and knowledge to complement our team. You should be comfortable working in a lab environment with lasers and optical characterisation equipment. Applications are encouraged from those with a strong background in photonics, particularly those with prior experience in PPLN waveguides or working with single photon sources and detectors. We are looking for a self-motivated researcher with good experimental skills who is willing to conduct research independently and collaboratively, and who values contributing to a supportive team environment. You will also help train and support researchers and PhD students in this role, so strong communication and mentoring skills will be a plus. A PhD or equivalent professional qualification is essential.

Due to the topic of the work, candidates must be exempt or eligible for an ATAS certificate; more details on ATAS can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme.

This appointment is for a 12 month post starting 1^st October 2026.

Informal enquiries: Prof Corin Gawith, corin.gawith@soton.ac.uk 

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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