Senior Research Technician

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Senior Research Technician to lead the development of hollow core fibres for high-capacity data communications. This position involves fabrication processes, equipment maintenance, and collaboration on innovative optical technologies. Ideal candidates should possess substantial experience in optical component manufacturing, with opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Hands-on training

Supportive team environment

Opportunities for impactful research projects

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in manufacturing optical components is required.
• Hands-on experience with optoelectronics lab devices is essential.
• Experience in cleanroom environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing processes for optical fibres.
• Provide equipment maintenance and troubleshooting services.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers for improvements.

Skills

Manufacturing of optical components

Problem-solving ability

Teamwork

Communication skills

Optical fibres knowledge

Programming in Python

Use of glass-working lathe

Use of CAD

Tools

Glass-working lathe

Fibre draw tower

Basic optical test equipment

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

Join the pioneering Hollow Core Fibre Research Group at the University of Southampton. We are a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians working together to push the boundaries of optical fibre technology, through innovative research on hollow core fibres (HCFs). Exploiting collaborations with a host of industry partners we look to develop novel optical fibres that bring progress to society.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Senior Research Technician for an industrially-funded project sponsored by Microsoft Azure Fiber, aiming to develop HCFs for high-capacity, ultrafast data communications. The position is funded until December 2027, with a strong possibility of renewal beyond that. You will be working on fabrication of novel optical preforms and fibres, including all aspects of glass preform manufacture, optical fibre drawing, polymer coating optimisation and fibre characterisation. The project will involve a close interaction with the design and development teams to successfully transfer novel research ideas into manufacturing.

As part of our project team, you will:

• Lead manufacturing processes necessary to produce microstructured/hollow preforms and optical fibres
• Provide a repair and fault-finding service, including planned maintenance of equipment and devices within the work environment
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers on process and equipment improvements
• Support the development and transfer of manufacturing processes
• Develop process control tools and identify trends and correlations
• Develop operating procedures and process control documentation
• Disseminate and present results to internal and external stakeholders
• Substantial experience in manufacturing of optical components
• Knowledge of cleanroom working environment and equipment
• Excellent problem-solving ability, and substantial experience troubleshooting complex devices or systems
• A strong desire to learn and grow professionally
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Practical knowledge of optical fibres and their properties
• Experience with specialty optical fibres, ideally hollow core fibres
• Experience in the use of a glass-working lathe and/or a fibre draw tower
• Knowledge of CAD and basic workshop tools
• Proficiency with basic optical test equipment
• Hands-on experience with optoelectronics lab devices and equipment (e.g. lasers, detectors, lens systems, OSAs, OTDRs, oscilloscopes)
• Experience with test and measurement lab automation and scripting experience in relevant environments (e.g. Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB)

What We Offer:

• Hands-on training in the fabrication procedures used for our cutting-edge hollow core fibres
• A supportive team environment with colleagues committed to your growth and success
• Opportunities to work on high-impact research projects that can change our world with leading scientific and industrial organisations worldwide

This position will suit an applicant who aims to rapidly grow their knowledge, cultivate high-impact and valuable skills on the forefront of advanced optical technology, and achieve mastery in a range of cutting-edge fibre-optic fabrication techniques. With the growth in these skills, it is expected that the position will evolve into an increasingly independent role, so you should possess the ability to self-organise and plan your schedule of work to align with the larger team goals.

To informally discuss this position, please contact Francesco Poletti, [e-mail]

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We really value all our technical staff and recognise the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.