Research Fellow (Nanophotonic)

The School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) provides a vibrant and nurturing environment for staff and students to carry out inter-disciplinary research in key areas such as Computational Materials Science, Characterisation Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Low Dimensional Materials, Biomaterials Materials, and Sustainable Materials.

We are looking for a Research Fellow to conduct cutting-edge research in nanophotonics, with a focus on the design, fabrication, characterization, and application of advanced photonic and optoelectronic devices. The role will focus on developing novel nanophotonic platforms, including advanced nanomaterials and integrated photonic devices to manipulate light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. The role will contribute to the university’s research mission by advancing fundamental understanding and technological innovation in nanophotonics, supporting high-impact research publications, assisting in the preparation of competitive research proposals, mentoring students and junior researchers, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across materials science, photonics, quantum technologies, and next-generation optoelectronic applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the conduct of nanophotonics research projects with research team members to ensure timely completion of project milestones and deliverables.

• Lead research projects focused on the design, fabrication, characterization, and application of advanced nanophotonic materials and devices.

• Programme and manage research activities, including experimental planning, device design, nanofabrication, optical characterization, data analysis, and interpretation, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.

• Configure, operate, and optimize experimental setups for nanophotonic and optoelectronic measurements.

• Develop and implement simulation, modelling, and data analysis approaches to support the design and optimization of nanophotonic materials and devices.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholder on interdisciplinary research projects involving photonics, materials science, nanofabrication, quantum technologies, and optoelectronic device applications.

• Mentoring graduate students and junior researchers by providing guidance on experimental techniques, device fabrication, optical measurements, data analysis, and scientific writing.

• Assist in the preparation of research grant proposals, project reports, technical documents, and presentations to support research funding applications.

• Maintain laboratory equipment or supplies that include procurement, inventory management, equipment troubleshooting, and liaison with suppliers.

• Produce high quality reports and documents that consolidate research findings.

Job Requirements:

• PhD qualification degree in Materials Science and Engineering or related field.

• Relevant research experience in nanophotonics, optical materials, optoelectronic devices, or a closely related research area.

• Experience in the design, fabrication, and characterization of nanophotonic structures and devices.

• Hands-on experience with optical characterization techniques.

• Experience with fabrication of nanomaterials, including electron-beam lithography, photolithography, dry etching, thin-film deposition, exfoliation, transfer, or device integration.

• Familiarity with numerical simulation and modelling methods for photonic structures, such as FDTD, FEM, RCWA, or related electromagnetic simulation tools.

• Good written and oral communication skills.

• Proficiency in optical experiment design, optical alignment, spectroscopy, microscopy, and data acquisition.

• Competent in interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external collaborators in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Ability to work independently, develop solutions under project timelines, and manage multiple research tasks effectively.

• Entry level candidates with strong relevant Ph.D. training and research potential are welcome to apply.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.