Research Associate in Experimental Fibre Optics

University Of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Bath is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to focus on the design and applications of optical fibres. This innovative role collaborates with multiple disciplines to address critical challenges in medicine through advanced optical techniques. Candidates should have a PhD in optics/photonics, extensive fabrication experience, and a strong publication record. A fixed-term contract is offered, with development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Generous employer contributory pension schemes

Generous annual leave allowance

Professional development opportunities

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement

Qualifications

• PhD in optics/photonics or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience in innovative optical fibres fabrication.
• Proven publication record in high-quality journals.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, design, make and test new optical fibres.
• Build experimental optical devices using developed fibres.
• Collaborate with other researchers in diverse fields.

Skills

Research problem-solving

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in optics/photonics or equivalent

Tools

Optical fibre fabrication techniques

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study the design, fabrication and applications of novel optical fibres.

• The research is part of a 6-year EPSRC Research and Partnership Hub called MicroTex , where we are collaborating with researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, robotics, AI, biology and clinical medicine at Edinburgh and Heriot Watt universities.
• The goal of the Hub is to accelerate the discovery of treatments for infections by "intra-target micro-dosing", where tiny amounts of candidate drugs are precisely delivered to suitable sites inside the body and their effects remotely monitored. This requires fibre-optic techniques for multiple functions such as navigating the delivery instrument, imaging the test site, and optically monitoring tissue response.
• Your role will be to conceive, design, make and test a new generation of optical fibres to perform these functions, using the state-of-the-art fibre fabrication facilities at Bath. You will also build experimental optical devices using these fibres, working with our collaborator institutions throughout.
• It is an exciting opportunity to see fundamental research in the physics of optical fibres have a real impact on one of the biggest challenges in medicine.

The ideal candidate has

• A PhD in optics/photonics (or closely allied discipline) or equivalent professional experience;
• extensive practical experience in the fabrication of innovative optical fibres from fused silica glass, including the development of fabrication techniques;
• a sustained record of publishing optics/photonics research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
• a demonstrated ability to solve research problems on their own and as a team member;
• excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills in English.

Further information

This is a fixed-term role until 31 March 2028 in the first instance, with a possibility to extend the total duration to 4 years.

For any informal enquiries about the role please contact Prof Tim Birks ([e-mail]) or Dr Kristina Rusimova ([e-mail]). However, please ensure that all applications are submitted via the University website.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader ; autism friendly university , committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff .
What we can offer you:
We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn .

Email details to a friend
Further details:

• Job Description & Person Specification
• Job Description & Person Specification

• Terms and Conditions of Employment

Right to Work in the UK:

We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.