Research Fellow in Topological Photonics

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

USS pension

Health & fitness facilities

Job summary

The University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre seeks a Research Fellow to develop topological photonic crystals and metamaterials for reconfigurable terahertz states within a Royal Society–funded project. The role is full‑time and based in the United Kingdom.

We invite applicants with a PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering, demonstrated metamaterials expertise, and a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Physics/Optical Engineering or related field.
• Proven knowledge in photonic crystals/metamaterials.
• Strong problem-solving, self-motivation, and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel topological photonic materials for terahertz state control.
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary ORC research groups.
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

Skills

Problem-solving

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Research dissemination

Education

PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering

Tools

Micro/nano fabrication

Computational modelling

Terahertz measurements

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 28 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking an outstanding, creative researcher with the skills to develop novel topological photonic crystal/metamaterials for efficient light control. Our project - sponsored by the Royal Society – aims to deliver the reconfigurable terahertz topological states for the application in the next generation of wireless communications.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• a PhD or equivalent qualification (or be nearing completion thereof) in Physics/Optical Engineering or another subject relevant to the study, development and/or application of topological photonic materials;
• proven practical knowledge and expertise in the field of photonic crystals/metamaterials;
• strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and an ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams;
• a strong track record of research dissemination through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

It will be advantageous, but not essential, to have recent experience in one or more of:

• the use of micro/nanofabrication and materials characterization tools;
• computational multi-physics/electromagnetics modelling and eigenmode analysis for photonic crystals;
• terahertz/microwave far-field spectra measurements or near-field scanning.

In this role, you will join an interdisciplinary research group at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), with interests ranging from nanophotonics, metrology, metamaterials, and topological photonics.

The ORC is proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising our support for the advancement of women in science. Our diverse community encompasses over 49 nationalities, and we offer a range of initiatives to support personal and professional growth, including mentoring schemes, an Early Career Researchers Forum, and the Women in Optics group. We also offer flexible, hybrid, and part-time working arrangements to help meet individual needs.

As well as a world-class research environment, we offer benefits including a generous holiday allowance, access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), and subsidised health and fitness facilities.

This is a full-time fixed-term position until 30 November 2028 from 1st of December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The post is available at the level of Research Fellow, with specific salary scale depending on the experience.

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