Research Fellow/ Senior Research Fellow

Fixed Term: For 24 months

We are hiring a new Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow to join the Hollow Core Fibres group in the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, UK. This position is initially for 2 years, with the possibility of a further extension.

You will work as part of a collaborative project between the University of Southampton and Microsoft Azure, located in nearby Romsey. The project is focussed on revolutionary hollow core optical fibres which guide light in air rather than glass. This increases the speed at which information is transmitted by 50%, and these fibres will form a key part of the physical layer of Microsoft Azure’s next generation ultrafast optical networks and datacentres. We aim to address the challenges associated with bringing this new technology from the lab into the real world.

This project will run alongside complementary research programmes, exploring diverse applications of our fibres, including high power laser delivery, intra-satellite data transmission and novel medical diagnostics, providing further opportunity for collaboration.

The gas dynamics within the hollow regions of these novel fibres are a key factor in their optical performance, and understanding the evolution of the gas flow is critical for their successful deployment in many applications, including data transmission. In this role, you will work on both experimental and theoretical aspects of gas flow within hollow core fibres.

Practical experience of using optical techniques for device or material characterisation is essential. Experience with hollow core fibres would be advantageous and experience of optical and/or fluid dynamics simulations would be extremely beneficial. You should also have excellent skills in the critical evaluation/interpretation of data and experience of working as part of a collaborative research team.

We encourage applications from candidates with a PhD* or equivalent qualification related to fibre optics/photonics, and expertise in the areas discussed above.

Training and personal development opportunities will be available and encouraged and as part of the role, there will be opportunities for travel within the UK and further afield for collaborative work and results dissemination.

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities.

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture at the University and creating an environment where people can balance successful careers with their commitments and interests outside of work.  We encourage women, black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science, we were awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze. Our flexible working practices, including a hybrid working model, where employees can split their working time between the office and home, support our belief that this balance brings long-lasting benefits for our institution as well as our people. The University has a generous maternity policy**, onsite childcare facilities along with other benefits such as the cycle to work scheme.

* Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards/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.

**subject to qualifying criteria

To discuss this position, please contact Prof Francesco Poletti, [email protected]