Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Bio-Photonics (Fixed Term)

Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163

Senior Research Associate: £46,485 - £58,596

A position exists, for a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on bio-photonic devices.

The post holder will be located in West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The Research Associate/Senior Research Associate will join the Integrated Quantum Photonics group, based in the Nanoscience Centre at the University of Cambridge, a research group that works on simulation, nanofabrication and optical characterisation of nano- and quantum photonic devices, integrating quantum light emitters.

They will work on a research project focused on the investigation of the optical properties of photosynthetic light harvesters on a chip, with the aim of unveiling quantum effects and reverse-engineer them for light harvesting and quantum technology applications. This interdisciplinary project combines the spectroscopy of biomolecules and quantum optics experiments with nanofabricated photonic devices, engineered to increase the light-matter interaction and enhance the collection efficiency.

Highly motivated researchers, willing to work at this challenging project at the boundary of biology and quantum physics are welcome to apply.

Education & qualifications:

Applicants should have a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, Biotechnology or related areas.

For the Senior Research Associate role, the role holder would have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience at the level of Research Associate, or equivalent experience.

Specialist knowledge & skills:

Quantum photonics, quantum optics, nano-photonics, nanofabrication, Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations, spectroscopy of biological samples.

Relevant experience:

Experience in spectroscopy and quantum optics is highly desirable.

Experience in simulations and nanofabrication are desirable but not essential.

In the first instance, the position is available for 12 months or until 01/03/2026 whichever comes soonest. Candidates will be considered for the appropriate role based on their experience matching the criteria.

Salary Ranges:

Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163 Senior Research Associate: £46,485 - £58,596

For more information about the project, please contact Dr Luca Sapienza (LS2052@cam.ac.uk) and for more information about the research activities of the group, please visit www.quantum.eng.cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months or until 1 March 2026, whichever comes soonest.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a research publication list, and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr Luca Sapienza (LS2052@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role or for queries on the application process, please contact: Sue Murkett (sm330@cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference NM44986 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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