Research Assistant/Associate

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Contract Type: Fixed Term (15 months)

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 15 April 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

We are looking for a skilled Research Assistant/Associate to work on an innovative international research project that has been funded through EPSRC with UK and French partners. This project looks to substantially increase the capacity of optical transceivers well into the Terabit regime using a combination of optical combs, tuneable lasers and advanced media conversion techniques.

As the successful candidate you will join an established team within AiPT under the supervision of Professor Andrew Ellis and will carry out research in purpose-built photonics research facilities at Aston University. You will develop advanced DSP to support comb-based measurements and ultra-high-capacity optical transmitters and receivers, addressing limitations of cost, energy consumption, resolution and sampling frequency with novel optical solutions. You will target multi terabit/s rate per lane and operation across a wide range of carrier frequencies, including both C-band and O-band.

You will have a strong track record in the development of multi-channel digital signal processing in optical communications, and particularly the compensation of non-linear effects from all sources. An ability to learn new techniques quickly is highly desirable and additional training will be given as needed.

Candidates with post-doctoral experience or who have recently submitted a relevant PhD and are awaiting award will be considered at the grade of Research Associate at Grade 8. Candidates with a highly relevant first degree without a PhD may be considered at Grade 7.

The post is available for a fixed term of up to 15 months.

For further information please contact Prof. Andrew Ellis atandrew.ellis@aston.ac.uk.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they: 

• Are under 26 years old
• Hold a PhD that is relevant to the role
• Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 years
• Are already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th 2024

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship 

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk. 

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