Job Description

Job Category: ResearchDegree Level: First Degree:Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical SciencesSalary: Grade 7 (xc2xa336,924-xc2xa346,485)Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (25 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 UniversityDetailed DescriptionTwisted two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures provide unparalleled opportunities to engineer and tune light-matter interactions. The ability to stack various atomically thin crystals, each with unique optoelectronic properties, opens a new avenue for designing heterostructures with tailored nonlinear optical properties. Furthermore, the twist angle between the layers in the heterostructure can be precisely controlled during fabrication, introducing a novel degree of freedom to control the symmetry of the heterostructures, which can be leveraged in developing synthetic materials with reduced footprints and tailored nonlinear optical properties.The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented scientist to undertake research on quantum, linear, and nonlinear optical spectroscopy of twisted 2D van der Waals crystals. The projects will be conducted within the framework of a University Research Fellowship from the Royal Society which aims to drive forward programmable moirxc3xa9 quantum materials.Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The key tasks of this project are to undertake research in the following areas:

a. Fabrication of twisted 2D moirxc3xa9 heterostructuresb. Linear- and non-linear spectroscopy of two-dimensional moirxc3xa9 semiconductor heterostructuresc. General tasks involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.

• To carry out the research project to a high standard;

a. Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.b. Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reportsc. Keeping clear written records of work done, and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.

• To collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate:

a. The post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment so effective communication between group members is essential.b. Assist the development of student research skills, and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.c. The post holder will be expected to maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field.

• Dissemination of results:

a. Attend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research communityb. Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature.c. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.

• Other duties

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required.Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in the fields of condensed-matter physics and optical spectroscopy.The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students.Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.Education, Qualifications and ExperienceEssential Criteria

• A good first degree and doctorate in materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering or related discipline. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.
• A sound grasp of quantum mechanics, optics, and atomic / molecular / solid state physics.
• A demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) of:

1. Optical spectroscopy and/or quantum optics.2. Primary author contributions to high-impact peer-reviewed journals

• A record of high quality publications, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
• Appropriate publication record for stage in career.
• Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative
• Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility
• Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities
• Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
• Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks)

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in 2D van der Waals device fabrication.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
• Experience of programming for data acquisition (e.g. Python) and analysis.
• Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.
• Experience of research-student supervision.
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the project.

About our TeamThe Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is engaged in research covering solid-state photonics and engineering coherent light-matter interaction using quantum structures and devices. The group consists of about 30 members, including 5 academics: Brian Gerardot, Mauro Brotons-Gisbert, Marghetia Mazzera, Cristian Bonato, Christiaan Bekker, and Samer Kurdi. Research within the group includes two-dimensional materials 'beyond graphene', quantum dots in III-V semiconductors, and defects in wide band-gap materials such as SiC or diamond. The group has well-equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy of quantum nanostructures at cryogenic temperatures as well as newly refurbished cleanroom facilities for the fabrication of two-dimensional devices. It collaborates with a number of research groups both academic and industrial, within HWU, the UK, and internationally.How to ApplyPlease submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CVApplications can be submitted until midnight on Sunday 18th May 2025.Shortlisting to be complete by Wednesday 21st May, interviews will commence at the end of May 2025.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-Watt University 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-Watt University 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 and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers .We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

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