About the Role
This PhD project is part of a funded collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), designed for a highly motivated and innovative early-career researcher to build strong skills in experimental and theoretical photonics and optics.
The goal is to develop extremely low-noise optical sources (microcombs) for precision timing applications. Leveraging recent advances in topological states and nonlinear optics, the system will generate ultrastable combs in a compact form. These objectives align with the Quantum National Strategy by building practical, metrology-ready microcombs, essential for the development of portable quantum timing devices.
The Emergent Photonics Research Centre is a 700 m² university facility dedicated to complexity in photonics, spanning ultrafast photonics, optical frequency combs in microresonators, AI for photonics, and terahertz technologies. The Centre hosts a multi-million-pound portfolio of equipment and research grants from funders including the ERC, EPSRC, DSTL, Innovate UK, and The Leverhulme Trust, with several early-career fellowships and PhD studentships.
During the course of the studentship, the student would be expected to complete two six-month placements at NPL. This research aligns with the UK Quantum Missions—targeting ultraprecise clock distribution (QT Mission 4: positioning, navigation, and timing; QT Mission 5: network synchronisation)—and is funded by the project UKRI Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) Partnership: Spectrally Pure Topological Microcombs.
Related projects include: UK Hub for Quantum-Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT) – Glasgow-led. EPSRC Programme Grant – Chip-Scale Atomic Systems for a Quantum Navigator. STFC-NSERC UK-Canada MICROQ – a Loughborough–INRS initiative on microcombs for quantum networking. The NPL Quantum Programme - Supporting the UK through test and evalution.
You will join Prof Alessia Pasquazi’s (Loughborough) and Dr Jacob Tunesi’s (NPL) teams, contributing to leading-author publications and international presentations.
- Funding: Fully funded. The UKRI/NPL studentship is for 4 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £25,555 per annum (consisting of £21,805 UKRI funding plus £3,750 industry top-up) plus tuition fees at UK or International rate. Funding for conference travel, lab materials, and a placement at an industry partner is also available.
About You
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent). We welcome applications from exceptional students with STEM backgrounds (physics, engineering, applied mathematics, advanced mechanics) intersecting with photonics.
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is aworld-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurementscience, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of lifein the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity,and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background,gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet therequired criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian andminority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabledcandidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimumcriteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the DisabilityConfident Scheme.
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of ourpeople.We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyonefeels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual meritsand abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of ourcommitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating anenvironment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More aboutthis on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
- We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexibleworking and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positivework-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition.
Our values areat the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop ourpeople and celebrate success.To ensure everyone has an equal chance,we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
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PhD: Spectrally Pure Topological Microcombs employer: National Physical Laboratory
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where your contributions truly matter. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities to engage in diverse projects, you will thrive in an environment that values innovation and collaboration, all while being part of a prestigious institution located in the scenic town of Teddington.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
