Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Attosecond Science
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Attosecond Science
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Job Description
Role:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optical Attosecond Science
Grade and Salary: Grade 7 (37174 - 46735)
Contract Type: Full Time Fixed Term (3 years with possibility for extension)
Location: Edinburgh Campus
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
Detailed Description
About Our Team
LUPO uses nonlinear optics to create new light sources with extreme spectral and temporal properties: ultrabroadband supercontinua intense sub-cycle field transients and few-femtosecond ultraviolet pulses among many others. We combine numerical modelling with experiments to study the fundamental nonlinear optical dynamics in our favourite system: gas-filled hollow-core fibres both with and without microstructure. We use the new light sources we develop in applications ranging from industrial and healthcare technology to fundamental scientific research both in our own laboratories and in collaboration with a large international network of partners in academia and industry.
LUPO is jointly led by several principal investigators. Our facilities include over 200 m2 of laboratory space and a large range of primary ultrafast laser sources ranging from home-built fibre oscillators to several high-power ytterbium-based systems and a high-energy titanium-doped sapphire amplifier. We design and build many of our own components and devices including state-of-the-art ultrafast pulse characterisation systems vacuum beamlines high-pressure gas cells and optical diagnostics. Our numerical simulations rely on our own open-source code ( details about our group and our research can be found at is part of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science (IPaQS) which is one of the UKs largest research clusters in Photonics. IPaQS has a strong culture of collaborative research which is built on the regular exchange of ideas between our experimental and theory groups. We are a tight-knit community of academics that support each others career development. We have a strong commitment to equity diversity and inclusion and hold regular events that celebrate our diversity and raise awareness about issues affecting the IPaQS community. We have world-class research facilities including a 275m2cleanroom and 2175m2of high-specification optics and laser laboratories providing the infrastructure needed to conduct internationally leading research in photonics and quantum sciences. The most recent UK Research and Excellence Framework (REF2021) saw Heriot-Watt Physics ranked first in Scotland and 4th in the UK for world-leading research.
Education Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- A PhD in physics or engineering with a specialisation in ultrafast nonlinear optics and/or ultrafast spectroscopy or extensive postdoctoral experience in these areas. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
- Experience of publishing high-quality research in the above-mentioned fields proportionate to career stage and opportunity.
- A strong theoretical understanding of ultrafast science including ultrafast pulse compression and frequency conversion as well as scientific applications of ultrafast light sources.
- Extensive experimental skills and experience in ultrafast optical systems.
- The ability to articulate research work both their own and others in research publications and oral presentations.
- The ability to work as part of a team in the experiments in our own laboratories as well as with a diverse group of international collaborators.
Desirable
- Track record of supervision of other researchers e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students proportionate to career stage and opportunity.
- Evidence of ability to present work effectively at conferences seminars etc.
- Practical experience with the use of gas-filled hollow-core fibres for nonlinear optics pulse compression frequency conversion etc.
- Experience with ultrafast measurements e.g. pulse metrology transient absorption spectroscopy photoelectron spectroscopy two-dimensional spectroscopy.
- Practical experience with vacuum systems including ultra-high vacuum systems.
- Experience of programming for data acquisition and analysis (preferably in Python or Julia).
- Experience of computer-aided design (CAD) of components and devices.
- Experience of using and/or writing numerical simulation code.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
How to Apply
With the formal application through the university portal candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter explaining their motivation and interest in this project. Candidates should specifically highlight how they meet the essential criteria for the position which are listed above.
Applications can be submitted up to midnight(UK time)on Friday8thAugust 2026.
For more information and informal discussions please contact Dr Christian Brahms ().
We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics.
At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-WattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
