Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics in Gas-Filled Fibres

Contract: Full time (1FTE), fixed term (3 years)

Detailed description

The Laboratory of Ultrafast Physics and Optics (LUPO, lupo-lab.com) seeks a talented and motivated scientist to carry out a research programme focused on developing novel ultrafast light-source technologies. The role will involve working in close collaboration with our industry partner—a major player in the semiconductor lithography sector—to harness new techniques in nonlinear optics in gas-filled fibres to develop light sources with unique properties.

The project is expected to lead to significant technological progress and high-impact scientific publications in the areas of ultrafast and nonlinear optics. The work will be conducted in a special environment combining the academic freedom and creativity at a university with a stimulating and demanding interaction with Europe’s leading technology company.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and perform rigorous and systematic experiments to explore new ultrafast nonlinear optics phenomena in gas-filled hollow-core optical fibres. 
• Work with ultrafast optical setups, including: management of advanced laser systems, the design and construction of pulse compression systems, and building and operating optical characterization devices. 
• Run existing simulation codes and process their results. Helping to develop new models and algorithms to simulate pulse propagation, the material response, and other aspects of our experiments. Coding in Julia and python. 
• Take a prominent role in discussions and knowledge transfer with our industrial collaborators, including writing detailed progress reports.  
• Writing, editing and publishing scientific articles in leading journals, and presenting results at international conferences. 
• Assisting with the filing of intellectual property and technology transfer. 
• Supervising the activities of junior group members and mentoring PhD students.  
• Assisting in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.  
• The post holder will join the Laboratory of Ultrafast Physics and Optics and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential). 

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in physics or engineering with a specialisation in ultrafast laser systems, ultrafast nonlinear optics, or extensive additional experience in these areas. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
• A record of high-quality publications, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
• The ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
• A strong theoretical understanding and thorough grounding in experimental techniques relevant to the project.
• The ability to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with collaborators at other institutions.

For all criteria, further details and how to apply:

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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 www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk.

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