Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Technical Specialist (Research) – Optics & Photonics

Jobtrain
Nottingham
4 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Technical Sales Engineer

Technical Project Manager (NPI)

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Specialist

Expert Witness - Quantum

Quantum Director, Construction Disputes

Lead Electronics Engineer

Diverse community. Inclusive Research. Rewarding Careers.Doing things differently.


Technical Specialist (Research) Optics & Photonics

£32,397 - £37,280 p.a. pro rata

Full-time, permanent

About the Role

You will transfer practical knowledge to the Advanced Optics and Photonics (AOP) lab users, including demonstrating equipment and techniques and providing support, supervision and guidance to use equipment. Actively keep up to date with relevant discipline knowledge, trends and technology, and apply this to practices.

You will assist in some research projects within the AOP group to support the achievement of project objectives, e.g. third-stream income generation projects. The duties include but are not limited to, preparing experimental setups, calibrating equipment or facilities, and assisting with data collection. Your contributions may be recognised in the acknowledgements section of publications, as appropriate.

You will ensure that staff and students comply with the appropriate health and safety regulations for using various kinds of high-power lasers and chemical substances. This duty includes the induction of new staff, undertaking risk assessments, keeping them up-to-date, and implementing necessary safety measures.

You will be responsible for purchasing/requisitioning stock of new equipment and consumables for the AOP labs and monitoring expenditures against a defined budget, including anticipation of future requirements.

Please include responses to the following questions as part of your supporting statement, under the 'Previous Experience' section:

  • Do you have experience supporting research activities and contributing to the successful delivery of research projects? Please provide details.
  • Are you proficient in operating high-power lasers and managing the safe storage, handling, and use of hazardous chemical substances? Describe your relevant experience.
  • Do you have experience supporting the organisation of conferences, workshops, public engagement events, and developing research partnerships? If so, please provide examples.
  • Can you describe your experience with managing and backing up research data effectively?
  • How do you ensure professional communication while fostering respectful, ethical, and effective relationships with staff and students?
  • Do you have experience in the procurement process of purchasing/requisitioning stock of new equipment and consumables and monitoring expenditures against a defined budget?

For more details, please take a look at the role profile. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly.

Interview Date: week commencing 2 June

About Us

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.

In the Department of Engineering we deliver research and teaching in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and sport engineering. We are building a global reputation in areas including human performance and human factors, future materials, biomedical engineering, and robotics. We are working with industrial partners in technology, automotive, aircraft, marine, healthcare engineering, and with sports teams to help them beat world records.

For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contactProfessor Mohsen Rahmani (Distinguished Professor)at:.

Join Us

Find out more about our academic community at NTU, including the support we offer to academics at all stages of their careers atSupport for academics | Nottingham Trent University

We also offer:

  • Between 25 and 35 days annual leave per year (dependent on grade) plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
  • Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Planwith life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched withminimum NTU contributions of 8%.
  • Opportunity to receive a bonus for exceptional performance and contribution
  • Range of health and wellbeing services, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
  • And a whole lot more

Come and be part of our success. Apply today.

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visithttps://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visafor more information. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult theHome Office websitefor further information.

Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.

Why the UK Could Be the World’s Next Quantum Computing Jobs Hub

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging from the realm of theoretical physics into practical reality. While classical computers use bits (0 or 1), quantum computers employ qubits, which can exist in superpositions of states. This enables them to tackle certain types of problems—such as optimisation, complex simulations, and cryptography—that classical machines struggle with. Although quantum technology is still in its early stages, sectors including financial services, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and cybersecurity are already experimenting with and investing in quantum computing. As a result, demand for professionals with expertise in quantum algorithms, quantum hardware, software integration, and quantum error correction is growing. The United Kingdom is uniquely positioned to become a global quantum computing jobs hub. With leading universities, expanding research programmes, supportive government strategy, and a maturing quantum ecosystem, the UK is building a foundation for career growth in this transformative field.