Research Fellow - Compound glass and fibre fabrication

Location: Highfield Campus

Salary:  £28,982 to £35,609 Per annum Full Time Fixed Term

Closing Date:  Saturday 20 August 2016

Reference: 761216EH

We are looking for a Researcher with prior experience in compound, non-silica glass fabrication and/or optical fibre fabrication to develop ground-breaking new types of optical fibres. You will work at the University of Southampton, a research-led institution in the top one percent of world Universities, within the renowned Optoelectronics Research Centre, where most of the special optical fibres in existence today have been invented.

You will be working on the development of novel non-silica-based active and passive fibres for application in thermography, nonlinear optics, mid-IR power delivery and high power lasers. You will be responsible for the development of fabrication processes and novel fibre structures, including multi-core, hollow-core and multimaterial versions, to be produced using either commercially available or in-house developed passive and active glasses. You will be also responsible for characterising the thermo-mechanical, optical and spectroscopic properties of the fabricated glasses and fibres, and to assist existing collaborators on the development of applications using these fibres.

The position is funded by the Future Photonics Hub (http://photonicshubuk.org/), a seven year EPSRC funded centre aimed at linking academic research with the UK photonics industry for the exploitation of novel photonics technology.

You will have relevant postgraduate/post-doctoral or industrial experience in the fabrication of optical fibres and/or glass science and a PhD* in Physics/Engineering/Material Science or equivalent and a strong background in optics. A hands-on approach and excellent experimental skills and a keen interest in developing new physical ideas from proof-of-principle to implementation.  You will work as part of a small but ambitious team, to contribute to write funding bids and generate new research ideas.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or 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.

The appointment is initially for a 2-year period, ideally starting in September 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter, with potential for further extension.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Francesco Poletti: frap@orc.southampton.ac.uk

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Suzanne Stone (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043. Please quote reference 761216EH on all correspondence.