Research Fellow - Fibre & Systems Group

You will join our research program to work on an exciting new EPSRC funded project in the area of next generation fibre components. Fully integrated within our renowned research programme you will work independently as well as with other members of the team and our external collaborators. The project involves the integration of highly functional two-dimensional (2D) materials directly within an established optical fibre platform, from which it will be possible to develop an array of robust, efficient, and low-cost optical and optoelectronic devices.

The Optoelectronic Research Centre (ORC) has led the world in optical fibre technology research for the past 50 years. With over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and 200 researchers working in all areas of photonics, the ORC provides an outstanding interdisciplinary environment.

To be successful you will need to demonstrate:

• An awarded PhD in Physics/Engineering or equivalent professional qualifications and experience**
• Excellent experimental research skills in areas related to optical fibre component testing, nonlinear optics, novel photonic materials
• A strong publication track record in international journals
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, and a proven ability to work well within teams
• A strong background in the design, fabrication and characterization of optical fibre components
• An aptitude for working with novel photonic materials and developing new experimental techniques.

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 give 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

**Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The appointment is for a 1-year period, starting in August 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, with potential for further extension. Informal enquires should be directed to Prof Anna Peacock ( acp@orc.soton.ac.uk ).

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