19508BR
School of Physics & Astronomy
Research
Advert
Research Associate
School of Physics & Astronomy - Cardiff University
Are you passionate about pioneering advances in photonic technologies? Join us as a full-time 1-year postdoc in Cardiff, UK, with the flexibility for remote work. As a valued member of our vibrant research team, your responsibilities will include developing integrated photonic phase shifters and modulators for cutting-edge aerospace and data/telecom applications. This opening is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with leading R&D industrial partners such as Carleton University, Colorado State University, Science Made Simple Ltd, Telecom ParisTech, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, and VTT. Additionally, this project will support you in preparing a fellowship in collaboration with the industrial partners to secure funding for your independent project. You will engage in conferences and contribute to publications showcasing your groundbreaking discoveries.
The evolving landscape of Silicon Photonics, currently harnessed by industry giants like Cisco, Intel, and Nvidia for data/telecom, calls for more efficient integrated photonics devices. Our research explores the potential of direct epitaxial integration of III-V materials on silicon, presenting a novel opportunity to enhance active integrated photonics devices. In contrast to the prevalent focus on active III-V devices based on quantum wells, our group's groundbreaking work has revealed a more robust quantum-confined Stark effect in InAs quantum dots, contributing to the efficiency of electro-absorption and electro-refraction modulators.
As a postdoc, your primary goal is to conduct advanced measurements to optimize these effects and spearhead the development of electro-absorption and electro-refraction quantum dot modulators. You will fabricate samples at the Institute for Compound Semiconductors, testing them in collaboration with key project partners. Your pivotal role involves furthering our understanding and applications of quantum dots, propelling advancements in aerospace and data/telecom technologies.
This postdoc is part of the EPSRC Efficient Integrated Photonic Phase Shifters for Data/Telecom and Quantum Applications (EP/Y00082X/1) and is geared toward revolutionizing communication systems. The project aims to develop robust modulators for aerospace and data/telecom applications by leveraging the unique properties of indium arsenide quantum dots.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommend formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (19508BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.
This post is full time and fixed term up to 12 months.
Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum (Grade 6).
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr. Nicolás Abadía at abadian@cardiff.ac.uk or Courtney Watkins at watkinsc15@cardiff.ac.uk
For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact PhysicsHR@cardiff.ac.uk
Date Advertised: 03 January 2025
Closing date: 30 April 2025
This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only. We now invite external applications.
Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Champion accreditation and an Athena SWAN Silver award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women and other minorities working in science.
Job Description
Main function
To conduct research within integrated photonic devices and systems for aerospace and data/telecom applications and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
Research
* To conduct research within integrated photonic devices and systems for aerospace and data/telecom applications and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
* To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
* To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
* To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
* To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
* To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
* To participate in School research activities.
* To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
Other
* To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
* To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
* To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
* Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
* An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
1. Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
2. Proficiency in designing and testing integrated photonic modulators, lasers, or waveguides.
3. Experience in silicon photonics and optical communication systems.
4. Demonstrated skill in using electromagnetic simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys/Lumerical).
5. Proven track record in measuring integrated photonic devices.
6. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
7. Capacity to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
* Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field.
* Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.
* Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.
Communication and Team Working
* Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
* Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.
Other
* Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.
* Proven ability to work without close supervision.
Desirable Criteria
* Evidence of collaborations with industry.
* Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
* Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
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