Research Fellow in Topological Photonics

University of Southampton - School of Physics & Astronomy; Southampton; Hybride; GBP 36 000 - 48 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Athena Swan Bronze Award

USS pension

Flexible, hybrid and part-time working

Mentoring schemes

Women in Optics group

Résumé du poste

The University of Southampton's Optoelectronics Research Centre seeks a highly capable researcher to develop reconfigurable terahertz topological states using photonic crystals and metamaterials. You will join an interdisciplinary team with strong emphasis on collaboration, dissemination, and innovative light-control strategies.

Applicants should have a PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering or near completion, with proven experience in photonic crystals/metamaterials and a track record of research

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in Physics/Optical Engineering or related field.
• Strong background in photonic crystals/metamaterials and practical expertise.
• Proven research output and ability to present at conferences.

Responsabilités

• Develop novel topological photonic crystals/metamaterials for terahertz control.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams within the ORC.
• Publish results and present at conferences; contribute to project milestones.

Connaissances

Topological photonics

Problem-solving

Collaborative research

Dissemination of findings

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Formation

PhD or equivalent in Physics/Optical Engineering

Outils

Electromagnetic modelling software

Micro/Nanofabrication techniques

Description du poste

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

• 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.

Additional Experience (Optional)

• 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.

Benefits

• generous holiday allowance
• access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
• subsidised health and fitness facilities
• flexible, hybrid, and part-time working arrangements
• additional university closure days

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.

For informal enquiries, please write to Dr Dongyang Wang ([e-mail]).