PhD - EPSRC - Topological and Other Types of Photonics Devices for Sensing, Modulation and Other Applications

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester is offering a 3.5-year PhD project fully funded by the Doctoral Landscape Award. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees paid.

Start date is January 2027, with potential industry involvement as opportunities arise. Applicants should have or expect at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

Qualifications

• At least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
• 2.1 BSc or MSc degree in electrical engineering, physics (applied), materials science and engineering. Chemical engineers who are interested in physics are also welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical simulations and fabrication of devices for various types of testing.
• Be involved in hands-on optical and materials testing and equipment setup.
• Explore industry opportunities as they arise and pursue related projects driven by the candidate.

Skills

Optical simulations

Device fabrication

Hands-on testing

Equipment setup

Education

2.1 BSc or MSc in electrical engineering, physics (applied), materials science and engineering

Tools

Optical testing equipment

Job description

Research theme: Applied physics, applied chemistry, applied materials

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded by the Doctoral Landscape Award; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is January 2027.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Topological or meta-structured surfaces are known to achieve remarkable sensing and resonances such as super-blackbody, extraordinary point and bound in continuum. However their material to light interaction and material to light to other types of molecules are not well understood. PhD candidate will be doing optical simulations and fabrication of devices for various types of testing, and will be involved in hands on optical and materials testing and equipment set up. Further as industry opportunities arise the candidate may be involved. Other related projects that are of academic and industry impact can be suggested and driven by candidate.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

2.1 BSc or MSc degree in electrical engineering, physics (applied), materials science and engineering. Chemical engineers who are interested in physics are also welcomed.

£21,805 - please see advert