Research Assistant​/Associate

Research Assistant/Associate

• Job number: NAT
  02114
• Faculties: Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Departments: Department of Physics
• Salary or Salary range: Competitive
• Location/campus: South Kensington Campus - On site only
• Contract type work pattern: Full time - Fixed term
• Posting End Date: 28 Feb 2026

The post arises from the ERC-Advanced project “Light interaction with synthetically moving metamaterials-LUMINOUS” at Imperial College London with the objective of advancing our understanding of materials that vary in time and synthetic motion. The successful applicant will be expected to work with Professor Riccardo Sapienza and our experimental collaborators to develop experiments in the field of metamaterials that vary in space and time.

More details at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

At Research Associate level:
To carry out research programmes in photonic metamaterials, nanophotonics, ultrafast spectroscopy and structured light generation, undertake project management and/or supervise multi‑disciplinary teams.

The Research Associate will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

The main duties will include:

• Develop ultrafast optical experiments to study optical metamaterials, to structure light in space and time using spatial light modulators and digital micromirrors, and to use it to modulate materials.
• Characterisation of time‑varying photonic metamaterials to identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data.
• Assist with the analysis of data.

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career:
  Gain access to Imperial’s sector‑leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Queries relating to the application process should be directed to Judith Baylis, Senior Administrator -

Queries relating to the research project should be directed to Professor Riccardo Sapienza -

Available documents