Research Associate in Quantum Fibre Photonics

Join to apply for the Research Associate in Quantum Fibre Photonics role at University of Bath.

We invite applications for an exciting opportunity in the Centre for Photonics at the University of Bath. The role is a postdoctoral research associate position available for up to 12 months to develop advanced optical fibre technologies for ultraviolet (UV-C) quantum key distribution (QKD) in satellite communication networks. This well-resourced and collaborative project is led by the University of Bristol, with partners at the Universities of Strathclyde and York and Fraunhofer UK, and aims to extend the security benefits of quantum communication to a truly global scale.

Working closely with our collaborators, you will contribute to the development of a hollow‑core optical fibre designed to operate in the UV‑C spectral region (100–280 nm). The fibre will act as a mode‑filtering solution that ensures secure quantum key distribution without disturbing the polarisation encoding—addressing one of the most challenging aspects of satellite‑based quantum communication systems.

You will design, fabricate, and characterise hollow‑core fibres that are single‑moded at UV‑C wavelengths and exhibit temperature‑ and stress‑independent polarisation behaviour. Your work will draw on the University of Bath’s research‑grade optical fibre fabrication cleanroom and state‑of‑the‑art photonics laboratories. The project offers an opportunity to expand your expertise in fibre fabrication, UV photonics, and quantum technologies, and to contribute to the development of a pathfinder platform for future global quantum networks.

You will hold (or be close to completing) a doctorate in experimental photonics, quantum optics, or a related discipline.

Possess strong experimental skills and a solid understanding of optical waveguides and light–matter interactions are required.

Experience with optical fibre fabrication, hollow‑core fibre or ultraviolet photonics will be advantageous but is not essential.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro‑rata per year.

For informal discussions relating to this vacancy please contact Dr Kristina Rusimova, .

This role is offered on a full‑time (36.5) basis for 12 months.

The Centre for Photonics is a collaborative research environment of around 50 academics, researchers and postgraduate students. The Department of Physics at the University of Bath is a research‑led department committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from groups typically under‑represented in UK physics departments.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader and an autism‑friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us. The following is an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

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• Free counselling services through Health Assured
  
• Cycle to work scheme
  
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
  
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
  
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
  
• Staff discount on language courses
  
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
  
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days
  
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
  
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
  
• Local discounts and more
  
• A family‑friendly workplace
  
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
  
• Relocation allowance
  
• Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
  

Should you have any informal enquiries, please contact Dr Kristina Rusimova ().

Right to work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right‑to‑work requirements.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. Personal details such as your name may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.