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- Tasks: Develop cutting-edge digital fibre lasers using neural networks for real-time optimisation.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a top 1% global university.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering project shaping the future of manufacturing with smart lasers.
- Qualifications: PhD in experimental discipline; experience in fibre optics and low-noise lasers preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with world-leading experts in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fibre lasers are now routinely used in the most advanced production lines for cutting, welding, 3D printing, and marking of a myriad of materials from glass to steel. The ability to precisely control the properties of the output laser beam and to focus it on the workpiece makes fibre lasers indispensable to modern manufacturing. As we enter the Digital Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 era however, new challenges and opportunities for fibre lasers are emerging.
The primary objective of the HiPPo project is to move beyond the “fixed” fibre lasers that are currently used in manufacturing, and towards “smart” fibre lasers that are automatically reconfigured and optimised in real-time depending on the application. This ambitious objective requires research breakthroughs across the spectrum of fibre laser development, from the development of new fibre core materials, to addressing limits imposed by instabilities, noise and nonlinearities, to high-speed beam and polarisation shaping, and finally using deep learning to solve the complexity challenge associated with coherent beam combination.
The role involves developing a ‘digital fibre laser’, through the neural-network control of a tiled array of fibre lasers in a coherent beam combination architecture, for unlocking novel scaling and beam shaping capabilities in real-time. You will work at the Optoelectronics Research Centre in a project team of currently nine Research Fellows and a similar number of PhD students focussed on delivering the next generation of fibre lasers. You will have access to our state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities, and be led by a team of world leading experts in the fibre laser and deep learning domains.
About you: You will have a PhD in an experimental discipline (or equivalent qualifications and experience), ideally with experience in fibre optics and low-noise lasers and optical amplifiers, along with their practical implementation. Applications are also welcome from candidates nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. Whilst this is a laser development role, awareness of deep learning techniques is beneficial as you will be working closely with deep learning specialists.
What we offer: The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. We are committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university. We have recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward, and strive to embed sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work. We aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. With a generous holiday allowance, we are committed to supporting our staff and are open to flexible working.
Senior Research Fellow in Smart Lasers and Special Fibres employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow in Smart Lasers and Special Fibres
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Southampton, especially those in the Optoelectronics Research Centre. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the HiPPo project. Understand its goals and challenges, and think about how your skills in fibre optics and low-noise lasers can contribute. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! If you've worked on projects involving fibre lasers or deep learning, be ready to discuss them in detail. We love hearing about real-world applications and how you tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow in Smart Lasers and Special Fibres
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Fellow role. Highlight your experience with fibre optics and low-noise lasers, as well as any relevant projects that showcase your skills in experimental disciplines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for fibre lasers and how your background aligns with the HiPPo project's goals. Don't forget to show off your enthusiasm for working in a collaborative research environment!
Showcase Your Research Experience: In your application, be sure to detail your research experience, especially any work related to deep learning techniques. We want to see how you've tackled complex problems and contributed to innovative solutions in your field.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at the University of Southampton!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fibre lasers and their applications. Understand the latest advancements in the field, especially those related to smart lasers and deep learning techniques. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your PhD research and any relevant projects you've worked on. Highlight your hands-on experience with fibre optics, low-noise lasers, and optical amplifiers. Use specific examples to illustrate how your skills align with the objectives of the HiPPo project.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future directions of the research at the Optoelectronics Research Centre. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since you'll be working closely with a team of researchers and specialists, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, particularly in interdisciplinary settings, as this role requires working alongside deep learning experts.