Reader (Associate Professor) / Professor in Optical Fibres

Job Details

About Us

The Department of Physics at the University of Bath is seeking to appoint a Reader (Associate Professor) / Professor in Optical Fibres who will contribute to and expand the capabilities of the department in this research area. The successful candidate will be a full member of the Department and of the Optical Fibres Group, as well as the Centre for Photonics.

We are looking to strengthen research into the design and fabrication of new kinds of hollow‑core fibres, the nonlinear properties of fibres, and the applications of hollow‑core and photonic crystal fibres for emerging quantum technologies, quantum computing, novel light sources, and medical and biomedical applications of novel fibres.

About the Role

This role offers an ambitious and excellent candidate the opportunity to develop their career within a supportive and dynamic environment, making use of the University’s excellent opportunities and facilities, including the fibre fabrication facility. You will become part of a vibrant community of researchers in optical fibres within the Department.

Research within the group is often highly collaborative and involves the use of shared facilities. The successful candidate will establish an independent research activity in the broader field of optical fibres, aligned with both University and funder priorities.

The role also includes management, leadership, and teaching responsibilities.

Salary:

• From £58,225 (Reader)
• From £84,668 (Professor)

The University and Department

The University of Bath is a leading research‑intensive university. In the REF 2021 assessment, 96% of the Department’s submitted research activity was judged world‑leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance, and rigour.

The Department consists of over 40 academic staff, more than 80 postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, and graduates approximately 130 undergraduate students each year.

Both the Department and the University are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive working environment. The Department actively aims to become more diverse and more inclusive, and candidates from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Optical Fibres at the University of Bath

Optical fibres research at the University dates from the mid‑1990s, with a dedicated fibre fabrication facility established in 1998. This facility is unique in the UK, being dedicated to microstructure and hollow‑core optical fibres.

Over the years, research in this area has led directly to the development of new industries and numerous companies. This strong track record of innovative and successful research has resulted in many highly cited publications and highly rated REF impact case studies.

Application Information

In addition to the application form, candidates shortlisted for the second stage are required to upload:

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A statement describing proposed research activities, including comments on fit with the Department
• A statement outlining plans regarding research funding (maximum two pages A4)
• A statement discussing approach to undergraduate teaching (maximum one page A4)

Further Information

For informal discussions about the role, please contact Jonathan Knight, William Wadsworth, or Kristina Rusimova.

This role is offered on a full‑time basis (36.5 hours per week), with an expected start date in Autumn 2026.