Do you have what it takes to bring about the next technological revolution? Microresonator-based frequency combs, or microcombs, are set to be a game-changer in areas as diverse as explosives detection, health monitoring, telecoms, astronomy, lidar and radar, as well as enabling gravity sensing with portable optical clocks. We have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Scientist to work at the forefront of this remarkable new field and help to bring these technologies to fruition.
The Microphotonics team at NPL is leading the national effort to develop compact and chip-based microcombs as part of the UK Quantum Technologies Flagship Programme. It is closely connected to the optical clock and optical frequency metrology teams at NPL and has strong links with academic and industrial partners across the UK and abroad.
You will be using our state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as collaborating with leading academic and industrial cleanrooms both in the UK and internationally, to fabricate and experiment with ultrahigh-Q microresonators in order to develop integrated microcombs and their applications. You will publish your work in high-impact academic journals and present it at prestigious international conferences, contributing to a rapidly growing field of research. You will also work with other teams at NPL and with our industrial partners to commercialise integrated microcombs and incorporate them into exciting new technologies such as portable optical clocks and handheld real-time multispecies trace detectors based on dual-comb spectroscopy.
You will be joining the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), which is the UK's National Measurement Institute and is a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science, engineering and technology available. More specifically, you will be joining our Time & Frequency Department (www.npl.co.uk/time-frequency) at an exciting time. We have some of the most precise optical atomic clocks in the world, which will one day re-define the second, and are developing compact atomic clocks for use in GPS-denied environments. We also provide timing services to financial institutions for share trading and are embarking on the development of a new timescale facility that will have the potential to feed into Critical National Infrastructure. We are also developing new detection techniques ranging from identifying cracks in pipes without removing layers of insulation to detecting earthquakes using the existing undersea fibre cable network.
We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.
About the Candidate
The ideal candidate will have PhD-level experience or above in experimental optics, with excellent laboratory and problem-solving skills. They will have at least two to three years of experience designing and building their own experimental setups involving lasers, optical components and optical and electronic test equipment, and taking and analysing data. They will have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and will preferably also have fluency with electronics and programming.
Essential skills
- PhD or equivalent in experimental physics with a focus on optics
- Ability to think creatively and solve problems independently in the lab
- Experience designing and building experimental setups involving lasers, optical components and test equipment, and taking, analysing and interpreting data
Desirable skills
The following skills would be advantageous, although training can be provided.
- Programming, particularly in Python and LabVIEW
- Experience with simulating optical modes using COMSOL or Lumerical
- Experience with simulating nonlinear optical processes such as microcomb or supercontinuum generation
Experience with designing and building electronic circuits, particularly for RF
Familiarity with integrated microphotonics fabrication techniques
Experience with CAD, preferably using SolidWorks
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
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