Research Associate in Complex Photonics

The appointed individual will work on the development of technologies for non-mechanical beam steering, developing systems that may integrate complex 3D waveguide circuits fabricated using ultrafast laser microfabrication techniques. The post will also explore the testing of complete non-mechanical beam steering systems once these systems reach an appropriate stage of development. 

The post holder is required to; 

• →Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and contribute to the generation of original ideas bases on outcomes. 
• →Be a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team.  
• →Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential. A working knowledge of guided wave optics and photonic instruments are essential. 
• →General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences. 
• →Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.  

1. Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge and or research methods and techniques to work in own area. 
2. Hold a PhD — or have passed the PhD viva with minor corrections — in a relevant area of Physics or Electrical Engineering or related subject. 
3. Appropriate publication record for stage in career. 
4. Experience with guided wave optics applied to research in a relevant discipline. 
5. Must have proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results.  
6. Strong theoretical understanding and thorough grounding in experimental techniques relevant to the project. 
7. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation 
8. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative. 
9. Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility 
10. Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and companies. 
11. Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks) 

1. Previous experience with one or more of the following: ultrafast laser microfabrication, optical waveguides. 
2. Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers. 
3. Experience of programming for data acquisition. 
4. Experience of experimental design and integration. 
5. Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively. 
6. Energy and enthusiasm for the project. 

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 12th October 2026.

Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system. 

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

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