Research Assistant/Associate In Bio-Photonics (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Department of Engineering, West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK  A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on bio-photonic devices. The post holder will be located in West Cambridge Cambridgeshire, UK. The Research Assistant/Associate will join the Integrated Quantum Photonics group, based in the Nanoscience Centre at the University of Cambridge, a research group that works on simulation, nanofabrication and optical characterisation of nano- and quantum photonic devices, integrating quantum light emitters. They will work on a research project focused on the investigation of the optical properties of photosynthetic light harvesters on a chip, with the aim of unveiling quantum effects and reverse-engineer them for light harvesting and quantum technology applications. This interdisciplinary project combines the spectroscopy of biomolecules and quantum optics experiments with nanofabricated photonic devices, engineered to increase the light-matter interaction and enhance the collection efficiency. Highly motivated researchers, willing to work on this challenging project at the boundary of biology and quantum physics are welcome to apply. Education & qualifications:  Applicants should have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, Biotechnology or related areas. Specialist knowledge & skills:  Quantum photonics, quantum optics, nano-photonics, nanofabrication, Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations, spectroscopy of biological samples. Interpersonal & communication skills:  Very good interpersonal and communications skills, including writing scientific manuscripts and delivery of oral presentations. Relevant experience:  Experience in spectroscopy and quantum optics is highly desirable. Experience in simulations and nanofabrication are desirable but not essential. Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. The initial appointment should be extended (funding already secured), pending satisfactory performances and mutual agreement. For more information about the project, please contact Dr Luca Sapienza (ls2052@cam.ac.uk) and for more information about the research activities of the group, please visit www.quantum.eng.cam.ac.uk. Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £29,605 - £33,966 Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263 Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 June 2025 in the first instance. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a research publication list, and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Submit your application by midnight on the closing date. If you have any questions about this vacancy, contact Dr Luca Sapienza (ls2052@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role. For queries on the application process, contact: Sue Murkett (sm330@cam.ac.uk) (Tel + 44 1223 760304).  Please quote reference NM41619 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.  The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.  The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.