Research Fellow in Non-Reciprocal Photonic Integrated Circuits

About us

The Photonics Group of the UCL Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering wishes to appoint a Research Fellow to work in the field of non-reciprocal integrated photonic devices and circuits as part of the CIRCULIGHT project, a collaboration between nine universities, research institutes and companies across Europe (https://www.circulight.eu/).

Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology, in which many different optical functions are combined on a single chip, is a critical enabler for the world’s digital infrastructure, including the internet, data centres and high-performance computing, as well as other vital application areas such as healthcare, avionics and future automotive systems. Present day technology however lacks an effective non-reciprocal element, which can isolate devices from each other and route signals uni-directionally within an integrated system.

CIRCULIGHT will provide this capability, thereby enabling major improvements in functionality, complexity and performance. We anticipate that this development will allow PICs to be used in a wider range of applications, to improve the cost-effectiveness of digital systems, and consequently to have major economic impact.

About the role

A major part of the UCL work will be to carry out research on the integration of the CIRCULIGHT magneto-bi-plasmonic device elements into the radically new PIC platform that is currently being developed at UCL, based on the epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductor quantum dot structures on silicon.

UCL leads the CIRCULIGHT work package on “Integrated Circulator Proof of Concept in Systems”, which includes the design and fabrication of a transceiver PIC, together with critical experimental evaluation of its performance.

As the main researcher on the project, the Research Fellow will be expected to make major contributions across the full range of the above activities, in collaboration with our partners.

The post is available immediately until 30th September 2027 in the first instance. Further funding to support the post may be available.

About you

Applicants should have a PhD (or about to submit) in Photonics, Electronic / Electrical Engineering, Physics or a closely related field (e.g. Materials Science). A track record of high-level research in photonics, semiconductor devices, or a related discipline is essential, as well as understanding of the principles of optical devices. Candidates should have experience of using optical and electronic test equipment.

Candidates must be willing to travel to meetings with partners in EU countries.

Experience of programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) and/or relevant technical software packages (e.g. Lumerical, Photon Design, CST Studio, COMSOL) is desirable, as well as practical experience of photonic integrated circuits, optical waveguides, and/or plasmonics.

Application details:

• To apply for the role, click the 'Apply' button
• Applications close on 16th October 2024 at 23:59
• A job description and person specification can be accessed at the application link, as well as contact details for enquiries about the post

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits.

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

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