"Research Associate in NanoPhotonics (Fixed Term)"

University of Cambridge - Department of Physics

Placed On: 8th January 2026

Closes: 10th February 2026

Job Ref: KA48469

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for an experimental researcher post available from July 2026 for 2 years. The researcher will be part of the NanoPhotonics group, which looks at nanoscale assembly and NanoPhotonics interactions. The candidate will join a dynamic and diverse team that values collaboration. The role holder will develop novel infrared spectroscopy on self-assembled plasmonic nanocavities to study nonlinear interactions. For recent work see https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk.

Project: MidIR upconversion in plasmonic nanocavities This project aims to exploit plasmonic confinement of light in nanoscale cavities including molecules, to upconvert light from the infrared to the visible where it can be easily detected. This will continue our work building nanoscale assembly with molecular layers and plasmonic confinement from colloidal-assembly nanoparticle gaps. This research will require strong knowledge and experience of advanced optical engineering, plasmonic spectroscopies, and nano-optics. We therefore welcome applications with aligned scientific backgrounds. Experience in Raman scattering, self-assembled monolayers and attachment, and plasmonic self-assembly would be advantageous.

Job requirements: Candidates will have, or be close to obtaining, a strong physics or chemistry PhD or a related discipline, with proven experience in measuring optical dynamics on the nanoscale in the THz domain as well as near-field spectroscopy, and in developing both plasmonics and metasurface devices. In addition to proven experimental skills the candidate should ideally have experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. They should expect to be involved in both construction of new optical spectroscopy rigs using lasers as well as a variety of chemical sample preparations or synthesis. Experience in the field of plasmonics or metamaterials or soft materials would be helpful, as well as with surface-enhanced Raman scattering and chemistry of nano-assembly and nano-systems.

The UK NanoPhotonics Centre (http://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk) collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics of Medicine, Cancer Research UK, Chemical Engineering, Materials as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes. Recent publications can be seen on our website (above). Prof JJ Baumberg, FRS, is an acknowledged leader in discovering and assembling nanomaterials for novel photonics.

A successful candidate with a PhD will be appointed at Grade 7 (Research Associate £37,694 to £46,049 per annum). A candidate who has not been awarded their PhD will initially be appointed at Grade 5 (Research Assistant £34,610) and, upon award of PhD, promoted to Grade 7.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Prof Jeremy Baumberg, jjb12@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: hr@phy.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA48469 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.