Postdoctoral Research Associate Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics in Gas-Filled Fibres

Role

PDRA in Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics in Gas‑Filled Fibres

Grade 7 – £37,694 – £47,389 per annum

Full Time, Fixed Term until end December 2027

33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings‑closed days for all full‑time staff

The Laboratory of Ultrafast Physics and Optics (LUPO, ) seeks a talented and motivated scientist to carry out a research programme focused on developing novel ultrafast light‑source technologies in gas‑filled hollow‑core anti‑resonant fibres. The role will involve working in close collaboration with our industry partner ASML—the 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.

• 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 set‑ups, including management of advanced laser systems, the design and construction of pulse‑compression systems, performing ultrafast laser experiments, and building and operating optical characterisation devices.
• Run existing simulation codes and process their results. Help 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.
• Write, edit and publish scientific articles in leading journals, and present results at international conferences.
• Assist with the filing of intellectual property and technology transfer.
• Supervise the activities of junior group members and mentor PhD students.
• Assist in the day‑to‑day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
• Carry out the research project to a high standard by meeting planned milestones and deliverables; report progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports; keep clear written records of work done and store data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential).

• 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.
• Direct experience of experimental work on ultrafast lasers or ultrafast nonlinear optics.
• 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.