Research Associate in Complex Photonics

This fixed-term Research Associate position focuses on developing non-mechanical beam steering technologies using ultrafast laser microfabrication of 3D waveguide circuits. Key responsibilities include research, analysis, publication, and testing of developed systems. Essential requirements are a PhD in a relevant field, experience with guided wave optics, a strong publication record, and proven academic and technical competence in experimental science.

• The post holder is required to
• Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and contribute to the generation of original ideas bases on outcomes.
• Be a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. A working knowledge of guided wave optics and photonic instruments are essential.
• General tasks will involve scientific research
• analysis and interpretation of data
• preparation of scientific papers
• presentation of research at conferences.
• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.

• Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge and or research methods and techniques to work in own area.
• Hold a PhD — or have passed the PhD viva with minor corrections — in a relevant area of Physics or Electrical Engineering or related subject.
• Appropriate publication record for stage in career.
• Experience with guided wave optics applied to research in a relevant discipline.
• Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results.
• Strong theoretical understanding and thorough grounding in experimental techniques relevant to the project.
• Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative
• Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and companies.
• Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks)
• Previous experience with one or more of the following: ultrafast laser microfabrication, optical waveguides.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
• Experience of programming for data acquisition.
• Experience of experimental design and integration.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.