Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ultrafast Pulse Characterisation

Job Description

Overview

Role: PDRA in Ultrafast Pulse Characterisation

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 – £37,694 – £47,389

Contract Type: Full Time, Fixed Term (9 months)

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Purpose of Role

The Laboratory of Ultrafast Physics and Optics (LUPO) seeks a talented and motivated scientist to carry out a research programme focused on characterising ultrafast laser pulses. The project is expected to lead to significant technological progress and high-impact scientific publications in the areas of ultrafast and nonlinear optics. For more information, please send enquiry emails to Prof John Travers. The application requires a CV and a cover letter explaining your motivation/interest in this project to be submitted through the university portal. Candidates should highlight in their applications how they fulfil the essential criteria listed below. We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and perform rigorous and systematic experiments to explore new ultrafast nonlinear optics phenomena in gas-filled hollow-core optical fibres.
• Work with ultrafast optical setups, including management of advanced laser systems, design and construction of pulse compression systems, and building and operating optical characterization devices.
• Run existing simulation codes and process their results. Help to develop new models and algorithms to simulate pulse propagation, the material response, and other aspects of our experiments. Coding in Julia and Python.
• Take a prominent role in discussions and knowledge transfer with industrial collaborators, including writing detailed progress reports.
• Write, edit and publish scientific articles in leading journals, and present results at international conferences.
• Assist with the filing of intellectual property and technology transfer.
• Supervise the activities of junior group members and mentor PhD students.
• Assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
• Carry out the research project to a high standard by meeting planned milestones and deliverables; report progress regularly to supervisors, keep clear written records of work and store data in accessible formats as agreed with the project supervisor.
• Join the Laboratory of Ultrafast Physics and Optics and work collaboratively in a team environment, including shared use of laboratory equipment.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in physics with a specialisation in ultrafast nonlinear optics in gas-filled hollow-core fibres. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
• Specific experimental experience in characterising extreme laser pulses (sub-cycle pulses, DUV and VUV pulses).
• The ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
• A strong theoretical understanding of soliton dynamics and the TIPTOE technique.
• The ability to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with collaborators at other institutions.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
• Evidence of ability to present work effectively in person, e.g. at conferences and seminars.
• Experience with gas-filled hollow-fibre setups, including the design and use of gas systems, beam stabilisation systems and vacuum systems.
• Experience of programming for data acquisition and analysis (preferably in Python).
• Experience of computer aided design (CAD) of components and devices.
• Experience in writing numerical scientific codes.

About the Team

The laboratory of ultrafast physics and optics (LUPO) uses nonlinear optics to create new light sources with tailored, and extreme, spectral and temporal properties. Examples include high-energy single-cycle pulses in the ultraviolet, broadband white-light supercontinuum generation, and high-energy few-cycle ultrafast fibre lasers. Our work blends experimentation and numerical modelling, with a focus on hollow waveguides (such as photonic crystal fibres and capillaries) filled with gases, liquids, and plasmas. We apply these light sources to fundamental science and to applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and the semiconductor industry.

Please see LUPO homepage for further details. LUPO is part of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science (IPaQS), one of the UK’s largest photonics research clusters, with a collaborative culture and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our facilities include a large cleanroom and extensive optics and laser laboratories, enabling internationally leading research in photonics and quantum sciences. The UK Research and Excellence Framework (REF2021) ranked Heriot-Watt Physics highly for world-leading research.

About Heriot-Watt University

We value diversity and aim to provide an inclusive environment. Our research programmes deliver real-world impact through our international community. We offer flexible working patterns where possible and encourage balance and well-being. Total rewards information is available to help understand the value of our benefits.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system with: (1) a Cover letter describing interest and suitability; (2) a Full CV. Applications can be submitted until midnight on Tuesday 16 September 2025. Equality, diversity and inclusion statements and links to related information are provided in our trust and inclusion materials. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns such as part-time working and job share.