Description Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences Salary: Grade 7 (£36,023-£45,585) Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (36 Months) Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University. Detailed Description An exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to pioneer radical approaches to manufacturing microstructured optical fibres for next-gen technologies. The successful candidate will work as part of a small team to develop laser-based glass processing techniques and to design and manufacture novel optical fibres. The PDRA position is funded under a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme project titled “Freeform Silica Fibre Optics via Ultrafast Laser Manufacturing” (MR/X034615/1) and is a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Bath. Conventionally, fibre-optic communication relies on solid-core glass optical fibre for signal transmission. However, due to the demand for ever greater data transmission speeds, hollow-core fibres are now being explored for use in data centres and beyond. The manufacturability of hollow-core fibres, in terms of scale and complexity, remains a potential bottleneck for the industry-wide adoption of hollow-core fibre technology. To address this bottleneck, we recently developed a completely new approach to manufacturing silica optical fibre preforms, called Axi-Stack. Once fully developed, AxiStack will facilitate the manufacture of arbitrarily structured fibre optic preforms with potential to satisfy future fibre optic demand and unlock new applications in broad areas including quantum communication and medical instrumentation. The position will suit an innovative individual with a passion for challenging engineering, who enjoys hands-on experimental lab work and has meticulous attention to detail. Research Environment The Post-Doc will work directly with Dr Calum Ross (Principal Investigator) at HeriotWatt University within the recently established, state-of-the-art National Robotarium in Edinburgh. There will also be opportunity to work with Prof Tim Birks (Co-Investigator) at the University of Bath within the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials. The project is innovation focused and will particularly suit candidates with an interest in working with industry partners and exploring commercialisation pathways. The successful applicant will be part of a small team and is expected to work with and support PhD students. The personal and career development of the Post-Doc will be integral to the appointment and support and resource is available to enable this. Key Duties and Responsibilities We are looking for a creative and self-motivated researcher willing to play a formative role in a new research group in a novel area of photonics. Willingness to work with others is essential, as is effective communication skills and an appropriate publication record. Experience with laser material processing or glass processing is highly desirable, but motivated candidates that can demonstrate innovative thinking and problem solving applied to related areas will also be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to design and construct experimental optomechanical systems, design and simulate both free-space and fibre optic systems, align and use ultrafast laser systems and implement novel adaptive optics. An understanding of handling and cleaning optics is essential, and experience working in a cleanroom environment is beneficial. The PDRA will be responsible for implementing safe working lab practices including the use of high-power lasers and corrosive chemicals. The candidate will be expected to engage with industry partners and stakeholders, attend meetings, write reports and deliver presentations. They are also expected to oversee undergraduate student projects, contribute to teaching (as a lab and tutorial demonstrator) and participate in outreach and public engagement events. The successful candidate will contribute to a positive research culture within the group and opportunities for training in EDI and responsible research will be provided. Education, Qualifications & Experience Essential Criteria A passion for delivering high-quality, responsible research within a diverse team and promoting a healthy research culture. A PhD in a relevant area of Physics, or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the position). A track-record demonstrating an ability to articulate research work via written technical reports, academic publishing and by oral presentation. A demonstrable competence designing, constructing and using optical systems. Motivation to deliver real-world impact. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative with evidence of flexible research ability and problem solving. Ability and willingness to learn new skills and capabilities appropriate to your role and how it evolves. Desirable Criteria Experience in one or more of the following areas: ultrafast laser fabrication, silica glass bonding, optical fibre manufacture. Experience with photonic design and fabrication including tasks such as Programming automated optomechanical systems. CAD design and CNC programming. Optical modelling (e.g. Zemax Optic Studio or equivalent). Experience translating research to an industrial environment. Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students. About our Team Dr Calum Ross (Principal Investigator) is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow with a background in laser material processing. Motivated by the application of photonics for solving real-world problems, he secured his fellowship funding early in 2024 to develop next-generation optical fibres. He is supported by the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University and is associated with the Photonics Instrumentation Group, led by Prof Robert Thomson (https://phi.eps.hw.ac.uk/). Prof Tim Birks (Co-Investigator) is a leading expert in optical fibre technology within the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials, University of Bath. A pioneer of hollowcore optical fibre, he has experience designing, modelling, and manufacturing optical f ibre spanning several decades. The project benefits from several industry partners who will steer industrial applications of novel fibres, provide resource, and offer an opportunity for the successful candidate to gain valuable industry insight. Travel Regular sustainable travel for research purposes and review meetings with the University of Bath is expected. Occasional on-site technical visits to industry partners within the UK is also expected. There will be opportunities to visit academic partners outside the UK, and to attend academic conferences and tradeshows (2 per year within the UK and 2 international conference over the course of the 3-year appointment). About Heriot-Watt Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt University is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort. How to Apply Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV Applications can be submitted until midnight on Wednesday 11th September 2024. Shortlisting aims to be complete by 30th September with interviews to commence in early October. For further information and an informal discussion, please contact Dr Calum Ross, calum.rosshw.ac.uk. At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equalitydiversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewardscalculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.