At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and simulate cutting-edge photonic materials and characterisation techniques.
- Company: Be part of the University of Manchester's innovative research environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and access to world-class research facilities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top universities and enjoy extensive professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking research in photonics and make a real impact in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong experience in quantum systems and characterisation techniques.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to world‑leading research within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Photon Science Institute at the University of Manchester. You will work in a dynamic and inclusive research environment as part of the EPSRC‑funded Materials Engineering for Advanced Devices (MEAD) Programme Grant, a major collaboration between the University of Manchester, Imperial College London and the University of Leeds. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term post for 36 months from 1 September 2026.
Responsibilities
- Designing and simulating material processing procedures for colour‑centre formation
- Delivering experimental studies and developing measurement protocols for photonic and spin‑based characterisation
- Using advanced ultrafast laser, cryogenic and high‑magnetic‑field optical spectroscopy facilities
- Collaborating with academic colleagues within the MEAD programme and external partners to identify new research opportunities
- Disseminating research through high‑quality publications, reports and presentations at conferences and project meetings
Essential Criteria
- A PhD (or close to completion) in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline
- Strong experience in the fabrication and characterisation of single‑photon emitters or related solid‑state quantum systems
- Experience using ultrafast laser, cryogenic and magnetic‑field‑based characterisation techniques
- Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex experimental data
- Excellent communication, organisational and team‑working skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with focused ion beam technologies beyond basic sample preparation
- Experience with photonic or microwave characterisation of doped semiconductor materials
- Experience using modelling and simulation tools (e.g. COMSOL, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python)
- Experience mentoring postgraduate students or early‑career researchers
Benefits
- Generous employer pension contribution
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Access to world‑class photonic and materials research facilities and extensive professional development support
Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive research environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing, you will have access to world-class facilities and extensive professional development opportunities, ensuring your growth within a leading academic institution. With generous benefits including a substantial pension contribution and 29 days of annual leave, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding career path in cutting-edge research.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at The University of Manchester, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like The University of Manchester. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Photonic Characterisation and Sensing in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The University of Manchester. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The University of Manchester. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at The University of Manchester. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The University of Manchester to drive research projects forward.
