Staff 1

Researcher Position: Ultrafast Laser Inscription Researcher

Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK

Fraunhofer CAP (Centre for Applied Photonics) has a vacancy, due to planned growth, for talented, imaginative researchers who would revel in a varied, applied R&D setting. The role will support and facilitate cutting edge research, design and development activities in collaboration with industry customers and partners.

 

We welcome applications from people at all stages of their career and we enjoy our team being diverse in every way. Our team is bright, engaging, welcoming, helpful and we want like-minded individuals who want to make a difference and really contribute. Your attitude and ambition are as important to us as any of the details below. We hope for candidates who are sociable and professional, have strong oral and written communication skills and experience of applied R&D in an academic or industrial environment.

 

The first of the highly regarded Fraunhofer Research Centres to be based in the UK, Fraunhofer CAP specialises in undertaking applied R&D in a range of photonics themes. Based at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow, Fraunhofer CAP’s main remit is to be a key partner to UK companies in the development of state-of-the-art products and processes which will enhance their competitiveness. Candidates will most likely have a strong academic or industrial R&D record in photonics or optoelectronics and a demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and independently, to defined timescales, together with a commitment to commercially-orientated research and development. Candidates will have the ability to successfully manage R&D projects. They will play a key role in developing new project ideas, and help securing funding from industry, Innovate UK and the EU.

 

The successful candidate will join the ultrafast laser inscription (ULI) team at Fraunhofer CAP. Our team exploits the unique capabilities of ULI for integrated optical device fabrication.  This incudes both waveguide device fabrication and also machined or etched micro-optical or microfluidic structures.  Device applications tend to be in diverse areas including quantum technologies, sensing and bio-photonics.  We are in the process of setting up a second laser inscription facility due to increasing demand in this exciting emerging area.

 

This researcher role includes optical laboratory research and prototype development alongside reporting and preparing proposals. The researcher will be responsible for delivery of existing funded project activity in the area of ULI. We are looking for a skilled individual to support and grow our ULI activities and fully exploit our state-of-the-art inscription systems.

 

To support this area, we are looking for an individual with one or some of following desirable skills:

·       Waveguide device design, fabrication, and testing

·       Waveguide fabrication using ULI.

·       G-code generation using CAD packages or other methods.

·       Chemical etching of ultrafast laser defined structures.

·       Control of hardware using LabVIEW.

·       Fibre or waveguide device test and measurement

·       Integrated (on-chip) photon sources and components.

Skills in one of the desirable areas would be ideal, however, candidates with transferrable skills from other application areas will be considered. Enthusiasm to engage on new research topics is important. Additional core skills would be beneficial:

 

·       Wavefront control using spatial light modulators

·       On the fly laser control for optimisation of laser machining

·       Bragg grating fabrication using femtosecond laser writing

 

Fraunhofer CAP offers a competitive salary and very attractive University-like conditions, including generous holidays, pension provision, maternity leave, nursery access etc. Salary will be commensurate with the levels of appointment.

 

In the first instance, if you consider that you match these requirements; please send a three-page maximum CV and a one-page maximum covering letter, all as a single PDF file with the filename firstname_lastname_jobsULIfweb_2023

Please include in your letter ‘I agree that you may keep my CV on file for two calendar years in order to be considered for future positions.’, if you so wish.

Application closing date:  21st August 2023   (previously advertised deadline has been extended due to summer holidays)