Senior Research Technician - Fibre & Systems Group

Senior Research Technician

Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, UK

This position offers you a great opportunity to substantially grow your knowledge, cultivate high-impact skills at the forefront of advanced optical technology, and rapidly make novel contributions to a range of cutting-edge fibre-optic test and measurement techniques. With the growth in these skills you will evolve the role into being increasingly independent as you demonstrate the ability to self-organize, and plan your schedule of work to align with the larger team goals. Working as part of a cohesive, world-leading team, you will interact with experimentalists, physicists, and fibre fabricators alike to contribute to the dissemination of high-quality research results.

Based at the University of Southampton, you will join our team supporting research in the development of novel microstructured optical fibres. This is a great opportunity to take your experience to the next step when you join our research-led institution that is in the top one percent of world Universities, within the renowned Optoelectronics Research Centre, where most of the specialty optical fibre technology in existence today was invented. Primary responsibilities of the post will include:

• Development and execution of bespoke fibre-optic test & measurement processes for characterisation of microstructured optical fibres
• Data acquisition, analysis, and reporting for all tests, while assisting the research team in developing entirely novel techniques
• Design and fabrication of new, custom fibre-optic test assemblies
• Improvement of tests and systems by proactively engaging with the research team to streamline processes and better utilize equipment
• Creation and implementation of standard operating procedures for new measurement techniques
• Ongoing performance and upkeep of lab health and safety measures

To be successful you will have a HND, Degree, NVQ4 or equivalent skill level in Engineering or Physics or related along with substantial professional experience demonstrating the following:

• Proficiency in fibre-optic test and measurement equipment and with proven experience of successfully planning and progressing work activities.
• Competency with standard fibre-optic test hardware: Lasers and broadband light sources, power meters and photodiodes, OSAs and spectrometers, polarimeters, etc.
• Hands-on experience in various optical fibre and fibre-optic component processes (e.g. routing, cleaving, splicing, etc.), ideally including handling of microstructured and specialty optical fibres
• A strong background in troubleshooting complex optoelectronic systems

• A track-record of success working semi-autonomously, ideally in a rapidly-evolving, research-driven environment

Competency in one or more of the following areas will also be favourably considered:

• Experience with fibre coupling to simple free-space optical systems: beam alignment, collimation, etc.
• Experience developing basic LabVIEW applications for data acquisition
• CAD and/or mechanical design proficiency
• Proficiency with standard workshop tools (e.g. drill press, lathe, etc.)

You will be provided with detailed training and supervision in each of the applicable optical measurements, both initially, and when new equipment and techniques are introduced through the team's programme of research.

This is a fixed-term post with funding in place for an initial 24 months period.

Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in the Zepler Institute. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. We value diversity and inclusion at the University and aspire for our staff population to be broadly representative of our community. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze. We gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities along with other benefits such as the cycle to work scheme.

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK's research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities. This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

*subject to qualifying criteria

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.