Research Associate at University of Bath

Salary: Starting from £37,099, rising to £44,263

Closing date: Monday 26 February 2024

Interview date: To be confirmed

A Research Associate position has been created through the funding secured on the 36-month Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council project: “Towards power efficient microresonator frequency combs”. 

Microresonator optical frequency combs and associated dissipative optical solitons are a disruptive technology that challenges traditional fibre-laser-based frequency combs and requires significant research efforts to release their full potential for fundamental science and practical applications.

A person employed will investigate unique properties of ring microresonators to generate optical frequency combs and trains of dissipative optical solitons, undertake numerical modelling and theory development, provide other project-specific expertise, and prepare research outputs for publication, as directed by Prof Skryabin.

This is a fixed-term position until March 2027.

About the role:

In this role, you will drive forward the goals of a research project that exploits the unique properties of ring microresonators to generate optical frequency combs and trains of dissipative optical solitons. 

You will design optical microresonators using commercial Maxwell equation solvers, and use your designs for the development and implementation of numerical codes to solve large sets of nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations, such as damped-driven Nonlinear Schrodinger equation. 

You will

• compute the evolution of thousands of resonator modes and model the generation of dissipative optical solitons and octave and multioctave optical spectra. 
• develop new theories, numerical models and methods and improve the existing ones. 
• familiarise yourself with the properties of different optical materials possessing the second and third-order optical nonlinearities used to fabricate microresonators. 
• closely collaborate with Trinity College Dublin to assist with characterisation of optical microresonators, direct experimental measurements, and interpret experimental data. 
• prepare journal submissions and research reports, prepare and deliver conference talks and seminars, and liaise with external and internal collaborators. 
• aim to build a highly competitive publication record and broaden the group’s expertise. 
• formulate and answer new scientific problems by applying theoretical and numerical tools and proposing laboratory experiments. 
• be enthusiastic about sharing your expertise with colleagues and enjoy learning new things. You may be asked and should be prepared to assist with supervising of PhD students.

You must hold (or be very close to obtaining) a doctorate in physics or a related field, e.g., applied mathematics and photonic engineering, and will have excellent numerical and theoretical skills.

Enquiries are welcome to Prof. Skryabin (d.v.skryabin@bath.ac.uk).

What we can offer you: