Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Intellectual freedom

Career support teams

Directorate for innovation

Exeter Academic initiative

Staff benefits

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in the Williams Lab (Department of Physics) to join an EPSRC mid-infrared sensing project (SPECTROMETA). This full-time, fixed-term post runs from February 2027 to January 2030 with salary bands of £35,302–£37,369 (Grade E) and £44,352 (Grade F) depending on experience.

You will lead metamaterial emitter and cavity development, integrate modelling, nanofabrication and sensing experiments, and contribute to

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in physics/photonic/engineering or related field.
• Ability to present progress and secure external funding.
• Strong research output and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of metamaterial emitters and resonant acoustic cavities.
• Connect modelling, nanofabrication and sensing experiments.
• Publish findings and contribute to external proposals.

Skills

Research methods

Oral & written communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in physics, photonics, engineering or related

Tools

FDTD

RCWA

Ansys Lumerical

COMSOL

Electron-beam lithography

Cleanroom fabrication

Job description

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

The EPSRC-funded full-time post is available from February 2027on a fixed-term basis. Project funding is available for three years, until January 2030.

The starting salary will range from £35,302 to£37,369 for Grade E and will be £44,352 for Grade F, depending on skills and experience.

The Role

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The Williams Lab, at the University of Exeter (Department of Physics) is looking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an exciting EPSRC mid-infrared sensing project (SPECTROMETA) led by Dr. Calum Williams.

Mid-infrared light reveals distinctive molecular fingerprints, but measuring these outside specialist laboratories remains challenging. This project combines metamaterial emitters that shape infrared illumination with photoacoustic detection. Together with intelligent inference, this approach aims to identify and quantify environmentally important substances in air and water.

You will lead the development and testing of metamaterial emitters and resonant acoustic cavities, connecting modelling, nanofabrication and sensing experiments. You will investigate what determines sensitivity and selectivity, shape the technical approach, explore AI-assisted inverse design and lead publications. Integration into a working sensor prototype will be a shared effort with the PI, PhD researchers and technical staff.

You will use Exeter’s Savchenko Centre for Nanoscience (cleanroom) and Imaging Suite facilities to fabricate and evaluate devices, and build custom electro-optic systems to test their sensing performance. Collaborations with The Met Office and South West Water will connect the research to environmental measurement needs and realistic testing conditions. Based on the Streatham campus, you will join the Williams Lab and the Centre for Metamaterials Research and Innovation (CMRI).

About You

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grade E)

The successful applicant will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion), or possess equivalent qualifications or experience in physics, photonics, engineering or a related discipline. You will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the discipline and relevant research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. You will be able to present research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically, and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Grade F)

The successful applicant will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/s or experience in a related discipline. You will be a nationally recognised authority in an area relevant to the project, such as optical sensing, photonics, metamaterials or micro- and nanofabrication, with sufficient specialist knowledge to develop research programmes and methodologies.

You will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to securing funds; and present your research at conferences and other events. You will also work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

For both roles

Applicants will be able to bring depth in at least one relevant area: mid-infrared spectroscopic sensing, metamaterial thermal emitters, instrumentation development, mid-infrared spectroscopy, liquid/gas phase sensing, photonic modelling (FDTD, FEM, RCWA, etc. using Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL, FlexCompute etc.), micro- and nanophotonics, cleanroom fabrication (electron-beam lithography, 2PP-lithography, RIE, PVD etc.) and characterisation (AFM, SEM, FTIR microscopy, custom electro-optic systems, liquid/gas phase sensing etc.). You should demonstrate independent research, relevant research outputs (publications, conference proceedings etc.) and sound judgement in analysing results and resolving technical problems. Strong knowledge of electron beam lithography (and cleanroom fabrication), photoacoustics, inverse design or machine-learning methods is highly desirable.

We do not expect expertise in every technique. We value intellectual curiosity, research rigour and the initiative to turn ideas into experiments. If you bring relevant strengths and are keen to broaden your skills, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every desirable criterion!

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Calum Williams at [e-mail] (https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/40847-calum-williams)

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.