Research Associate in Photonics and Photonic Materials (fixed-term post)

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to join the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials to carry out research into hollow-core optical fibre, as well as Raman and quantum optical spectroscopy.

In this role, you will drive forward the goals of several research projects that exploit the unique properties of hollow-core fibre for coherent light-matter interactions. This will involve the fabrication of bespoke hollow-core fibre in the cleanrooms at the University of Bath – a unique facility in the UK. You will carry out experiments with fibre, devise methods to build hollow-core fibre into robust optical systems for Raman and quantum optical spectroscopy, and collaborate with researchers using your fibres to build mid-infrared laser sources. In addition, you will contribute to theoretical work, write up and disseminate results, and liaise with other project partners in order to build up a competitive publication record. You will also have the opportunity for supervising the day-to-day research of graduate students and developing new avenues of research.

All scientists in our research group aim at developing strong experimental skills. As well as working in our state of the art speciality fibre fabrication cleanroom, you will use a variety of our advanced laser systems and photonic characterization techniques. You will be formulating scientific questions and answering them by building optical experiments. You will have the chance to program robotic experimental rigs and to conduct numerical simulations using a commercial Maxwell equation solver. You will be guiding junior scientists, such as PhD students. Overall, you will grow towards an independent scientist with a balanced professional skills set.

You should hold (or be very close to obtaining) a doctorate in physics or a related field and will have excellent laboratory skills, applicable in fibre optics or laser physics. You will be enthusiastic about science and will enjoy learning new things. Overall, you will be expected to develop as an independent experimental scientist and will be encouraged to network; for instance at national/international scientific conferences or by research visits. Our research group is engaged in numerous outreach activities, such as visits to schools and participations in science festivals. An interest in communicating science to the public, robotics or digital art would be an advantage. Experience in fibre fabrication, Raman spectroscopy or atomic spectroscopy will also be an advantage.

The Department of Physics is a research-led Department, ranked highly in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Both the Department and the University are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive working environment. We are working to improve the present gender balance within the Department, and particularly welcome applications from women.

The post is currently available for a fixed-term period of 21 months, extendable to 24 months in the second year (subject to funding).

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Ventsislav Valev (v.k.valev@bath.ac.uk) and/or Prof William Wadsworth (pyswjw@bath.ac.uk), however, please submit your application via the University website, including a full CV and covering letter.

What we can offer you:

Our campus is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and the City of Bath with its historic charm and social activity only a short distance away creates an excellent environment in which to work.

We are:

• a family friendly workplace
• open to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the University.
• recognising of the talents of our diverse workforce through an excellent reward package
• encouraging of your personal and professional development

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information.

We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a better environment for our employees and students, creating a learning environment and organisational culture that enhanceshealth and wellbeing across our community. We are very proud to have recently received Ambassadors for Autism certification and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.