Research Fellow
We are looking for a new Research Fellow to join the Gas Photonics in Hollow Core Fibres group in the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, UK. This position is initially until 31/03/2026, with the possibility of a further extension.
You will work with us on revolutionary hollow core optical fibres which guide light in air rather than glass. Light guidance in air gives these fibres unique properties including very low loss and low latency and opens up diverse possible applications such as next generation telecoms, high power laser delivery, intra-satellite data transmission and novel medical diagnostics. We aim to address the challenges associated with bringing this new technology from the lab into the real world.
The gas dynamics within the hollow regions of these novel fibres are a key factor in their optical performance, and understanding the evolution of the gas flow is critical for their successful deployment in many applications. In this role, you will work on both experimental and theoretical aspects of gas flow within hollow core fibres, including how to control the gas composition and pressure within the fibre to improve optical and mechanical performance.
Practical experience of using optical techniques for device or material characterisation is essential. Experience with hollow core fibres would be advantageous and experience of optical and/or fluid dynamics simulations would be extremely beneficial. You should also have excellent skills in the critical evaluation/interpretation of data and experience of working as part of a collaborative research team.
We encourage applications from candidates with a PhD* or equivalent qualification related to fibre optics/photonics, and expertise in the areas discussed above.
Training and personal development opportunities will be available and encouraged and as part of the role, there will be opportunities for travel within the UK and further afield for collaborative work and results dissemination.
The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities.
We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture at the University and creating an environment where people can balance successful careers with their commitments and interests outside of work. We encourage women, black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science, we were awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze. Our flexible working practices, including a hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people. The University has a generous maternity policy**, onsite childcare facilities along with other benefits such as the cycle to work scheme.
* Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards/nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.
**subject to qualifying criteria
To informally discuss this position, please contact Prof Natalie Wheeler, n.v.wheeler@soton.ac.uk
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .