"Postdoctoral Research Associate (META4D)"

About us

A post-doctoral research associate position is available at the Photonics & Nanotechnology group, Physics Department, King’s College London, funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant Next Generation Metamaterials: Exploiting Four Dimensions (META4D)—a collaboration between King’s College London, Imperial College London and University of Exeter.

The research in Photonics & Nanotechnology Group (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/photonics-nanotechnology) involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and of novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy. The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading-edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling.

About the role

A successful candidate will join the EPSRC-funded Programme Grant Next Generation Metamaterials: Exploiting Four Dimensions (META4D: www.meta4d.co.uk). The role involves conducting experimental research on topological light fields, topological metamaterials, and related nonlinear optical phenomena. We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher with prior experience in vortex beams and nonlinear spectroscopy. The candidate will collaborate closely with project partners at Imperial College London and the University of Exeter, as well as with industry collaborators.

The post holder will contribute to internationally leading research and play an active role in shaping the future direction of the project. Additionally, they will be responsible for supervising PhD and MSc students working on related topics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance expertise in a rapidly evolving field, while also gaining experience in managing research activities and mentoring junior researchers.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email: a.zayats@kcl.ac.uk

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 31/12/2028.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD qualified in relevant subject area (or pending results)
• Experience with optical vortex beams
• Experience in ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Good attention to detail

Desirable criteria

• Experience in plasmonics and/or metamaterials
• Experience in topological photonics
• Experience in numerical simulations
• Experience in near-field optical microscopy
• Experience in time-resolved fluorescence measurements

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant.

Interviews are due to be held in December 2025/ January 2026.