Job Description

Location: Aston University Main Campus
Salary: 38,784 to 46,049 per annum
Grade: Grade 08
Contract Type: Fixed Term (30 months)
Basis: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 22 October 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0734-25
Release Date: Monday 22 September 2025
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AiPT), one of the world's leading photonics research centres. This role is part of a HORIZON-EU-funded project (Engineered Combined Sensing and Telecommunications Architectures for Tectonic and Infrastructure Characterisation - ) aimed at pushing the boundaries of fibre-optic sensing in the existing communications network and leveraging AI-driven solutions for real-time event detection and infrastructure monitoring. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of integrating advanced optical technologies with machine learning techniques to develop novel, high-performance fibre-optic sensing applications.
You will be responsible for the application and validation of distributed optical sensing techniques developed in ECSTATIC, such as novel distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), on trackside telecom fibres, for the condition monitoring of railway infrastructure, focusing on both the structure (e.g. bridges) and the rail system (e.g. track, sleeper, ballast). This includes leading the design and execution of laboratory structural testing, conducting field monitoring, and developing data processing for damage detection and characterisation.
What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found

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For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Dr Haris Alexakis ( )

Skills Required