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- Tasks: Join us to design and test innovative optical fibres for medical applications.
- Company: Be part of the University of Bath, a diverse and inclusive institution with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and generous leave alongside various discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medicine while collaborating with top researchers across multiple disciplines.
- Qualifications: PhD in optics/photonics or equivalent experience; strong research and communication skills required.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until March 2028, with potential for extension and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About the role
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study the design, fabrication and applications of novel optical fibres.
- The research is part of a 6-year EPSRC Research and Partnership Hub called MicroTex , where we are collaborating with researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, robotics, AI, biology and clinical medicine at Edinburgh and Heriot Watt universities.
- The goal of the Hub is to accelerate the discovery of treatments for infections by \”intra-target micro-dosing\”, where tiny amounts of candidate drugs are precisely delivered to suitable sites inside the body and their effects remotely monitored. This requires fibre-optic techniques for multiple functions such as navigating the delivery instrument, imaging the test site, and optically monitoring tissue response.
- Your role will be to conceive, design, make and test a new generation of optical fibres to perform these functions, using the state-of-the-art fibre fabrication facilities at Bath. You will also build experimental optical devices using these fibres, working with our collaborator institutions throughout.
- It is an exciting opportunity to see fundamental research in the physics of optical fibres have a real impact on one of the biggest challenges in medicine.
The ideal candidate has
- A PhD in optics/photonics (or closely allied discipline) or equivalent professional experience;
- extensive practical experience in the fabrication of innovative optical fibres from fused silica glass, including the development of fabrication techniques;
- a sustained record of publishing optics/photonics research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
- a demonstrated ability to solve research problems on their own and as a team member;
- excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills in English.
Further information
This is a fixed-term role until 31 March 2028 in the first instance, with a possibility to extend the total duration to 4 years.
For any informal enquiries about the role please contact Prof Tim Birks (T.A.Birks@bath.ac.uk) or Dr Kristina Rusimova (K.R.Rusimova@bath.ac.uk). However, please ensure that all applications are submitted via the University website.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We\’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader ; autism friendly university , committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff .
What we can offer you:
We\’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn .
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Further details:
- Job Description & Person Specification
- Job Description & Person Specification
- Terms and Conditions of Employment
Right to Work in the UK:
We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
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Research Associate in Experimental Fibre Optics employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Experimental Fibre Optics
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the optics and photonics field. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars related to fibre optics to meet potential collaborators and mentors who can provide insights into the research landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current research by reading recent publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also help you identify gaps in the research that you could address in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to the contacts provided in the job description for informal enquiries. This shows your genuine interest in the role and allows you to ask specific questions that can help tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the University of Bath's research initiatives and collaborations. Understanding their projects and values will help you align your application with their goals and demonstrate your fit within their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Experimental Fibre Optics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PhD in optics/photonics and any relevant experience in fabricating optical fibres. Emphasise your research publications and problem-solving skills, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the research project and how your background aligns with the goals of the MicroTex Hub. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and independently.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in both written and oral formats, especially in a research context.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application through the University of Bath's website as specified. Double-check that all required documents are included and formatted correctly before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to optics and photonics. Highlight any innovative techniques you developed and how they contributed to your field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to tackle complex research problems. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in your work and how you approached solving them, both independently and as part of a team.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining your research in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate complex ideas to colleagues from different disciplines.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Hub's Goals
Research the MicroTex Hub and its objectives. Understanding how your work will contribute to the overarching goal of advancing medical treatments through fibre-optic technology will show your genuine interest in the position.
