At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in metamaterials and ultrafast spectroscopy.
- Company: Join the prestigious Imperial College London, a leader in scientific innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 43 days of leave, competitive salary, and excellent career support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for publication and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of pioneering research that shapes the future of physics.
- Qualifications: PhD in Physics or related field; exceptional experimental skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
The post arises from a collaboration funded by the ERC Advanced grant “Light interaction with synthetically moving metamaterials - LUMINOUS” and the UKRI Programme Grant “Next Generation Metamaterials: exploiting four dimensions – META4D” with the objective of advancing our understanding of temporal metamaterials and materials with synthetic motion. The successful applicant will be expected to work with Professor Riccardo Sapienza in London and our experimental collaborators to develop experiments in the field of metamaterials and perform advanced temporal spectroscopy of dispersive time-varying metamaterials.
You will carry out research programmes in photonic metamaterials, nanophotonics, ultrafast spectroscopy and time-resolved measurements, undertake project management and/or supervise multi-disciplinary teams. We are looking for expertise in experimental spectroscopy and in particular time-resolved measurement of ultrafast light.
This role is mostly experimental with some theory aspects. You will design and implement advanced time-resolved experiments involving home-built ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and will manage a 10 fs laser setup and generate structural light from it. You will work collaboratively within the team at Imperial College.
What we are looking for:
- You will hold a PhD in Physics (or a closely related quantitative discipline) and have an outstanding record of research achievement.
- We are particularly interested in candidates with exceptional experimental skills, demonstrated through the development of novel time-resolved measurements with fs resolution, advanced data-analysis methodologies, and experience with time-varying metamaterials.
- The ideal candidate will be intellectually ambitious, highly self-motivated and excited by the prospect of working at the boundary between metamaterials and ultrafast laser physics.
Hold a PhD in Optics, Photonics, Metamaterials or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
Research Assistant: A first / masters degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering, Material Science or related.
Specific Requirements:
- Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals.
- Experience with optical metamaterials and nanophotonics.
- Experience with ultrafast lasers and spectroscopy.
- Practical experience in a broad range of techniques for structured light.
- Practical experience in optical apparatus design and microscopy.
- Knowledge of experimental methods in optics.
- Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures.
The opportunity to contribute to a pioneering research programme aimed at establishing synthetic motion as a new paradigm for spatio-temporal metamaterials. Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team involving experimental and theoretical physicists. Involvement in publications, conference presentations and future grant applications. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and contribute to our mission of “Science for Humanity”. Access to Imperial’s sector-leading career support for researchers, as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. A sector-leading salary and remuneration package, including 43 days’ leave per year and generous pension schemes. A diverse, inclusive and collaborative working culture, with staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term role based at our South Kensington Campus.
Research Assistant / Associate in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
