Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow - Novel Optical Fibre for application in process control, evaluation and health monitoring of high value composites

Full Time Fixed Term until 31/03/2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Research Fellow – Novel Optical Fibre Development for Condition Monitoring

We are actively searching for a self-motivated researcher to work on the development of a revolutionary new type of optical fibre. 

This research is part of a substantial £2.2M multi-institutional research grant funded by EPSRC, with a primary objective to create tailored optical fibre, specifically for the application of condition monitoring.

Successful candidates will engage in internationally recognized multidisciplinary research. The project involves the innovation of new optical fibre, specifically designed for monitoring high-value composite materials, including Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). 

Collaboration between the optics and composite community is key in this project, and our researchers will work closely with counterparts in the composite sector, including University of Bristol (Janice Dulieu-Barton, James Kratz), University of Warwick (Darren Hughes, Craig Carnegie), University of Nottingham (John Owen, Georgia Thermou, Fangying Wang), University of Hertfordshire (Yiding Liu) and Wrexham University (Richard Day).

Joining our vibrant research team at Southampton (Chris Holmes, Martynas Beresna, Timothy Lee, Bruno Moog, Pawel Maniewski), candidates will focus on silica-based photonics, leveraging cutting-edge research facilities at the Zepler Institute Cleanrooms and National Infrastructure Laboratory. This post is held in the Mechanical Engineering department, with close collaboration with the Optoelectronics Research Centre. 

This collaborative research effort is further supported by leading UK optical fibre manufacturers, optical sensor companies, composite manufactures, and system integrators. This strategic engagement aims to facilitate the eventual commercialization of the research outcomes.

Qualifications for potential candidates require a strong engineering background (mechanical, aerospace, civil, materials), with experience of design, to tackle the innovative manufacturing challenges brought by novel optical fibre development and integration. This includes experience with CAD, CAM control systems and FEA. Knowledge and experience of condition monitoring techniques including data acquisition and data processing is essential. 

Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Strong independent work capabilities complemented by effective teamwork skills.
• Willingness and ability to contribute to the supervision of postgraduate students.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, along with a proven track record in journal publications and conference presentations.

Join us in this exciting venture, where your expertise will contribute to advancing the field of optical fibre technology and its applications in condition monitoring.

This position is full-time, fixed term up to 2.5 years duration. 

For informal enquiries of the position, please contact Dr Chris Holmes (email: ch10e09@soton.ac.uk)

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.

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