Job Description

Salary

The starting salary will be from 42,882 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

Contractual hours

36.5

Package

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

15/05/2025

Job reference

Q02661

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

The post

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow as part of a new European Research Council Consolidator Grant "Taming dynamic complex media for imaging, communications and photonic computing" led by Prof. David Phillips. In this project we will develop new sensing and light control technologies for guiding classical and quantum states of light through moving scattering media, such as optical fibres and the turbulent atmosphere.



You will work in the Structured Light Lab, headed by Prof. Phillips, which is based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy on Streatham Campus, Exeter. Throughout the project we will also collaborate with Simon Horsley, a Professor of theoretical physics at the University of Exeter. There will also be the opportunity collaborate with a range of other international researchers at leading institutions around the world.



The successful applicant will broadly work on experimental optics and photonics, numerical simulations, data analysis and disseminating research findings in publications and at conferences. More specifically, the applicant will lead the set-up of a new quantum optics experiment, allowing quantum entangled photons to be generated and shaped using spatial light modulators. The project will start by developing the Phillips group's recently published approaches to wavefront shaping and inverse photonic design and apply these techniques to control quantum states of light.



This European Research Council-funded post is available from June 2025 onwards on a 3 year fixed term contract.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to clearly communicate complex information, orally and in writing, and give presentations at conferences and other events. They will be able to develop research objectives and contribute to the process of securing funds to explore new research directions. You will be able to independently perform research and develop new methodologies. You will be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as a sub-team leader as required.



The successful applicant will already possess a relevant PhD and ideally possess specialist knowledge of experimental quantum optics. Experimental work requires the development of bespoke computer programs to synchronise and control equipment, and for data analysis. To support these aspects, expertise in any of C, Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW programming languages, and/or FPGA control, is also desirable. Experience in the training of artificial neural networks, and the use of spatial light modulators, high-speed cameras, femto-second pulsed lasers and direct laser writing systems is also desirable.

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research; Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly; An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development; Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career; A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy; A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon, UK.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.



Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).



We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.



Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.



With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.



We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Professor David Phillips, e-mail d.phillips@exeter.ac.uk.