"Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow in Photonic Time Crystals"

A crystal in space represents a distinct state of matter, with spatial periodicity in its lattice structure underpinning its band structure and optical properties. This project concerns time crystals, whose properties exhibit periodic oscillations in time. Photonics offers a promising route for advancing time crystals into the emerging domain of timetronics — an information and data technology founded on the distinctive functionalities of this novel state of matter (see, for example, Nature Photonics).

We are seeking a creative and capable researcher with a strong educational background to contribute to a project sponsored by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The project aims to investigate the fundamental physics of photonic time crystals on a nanomechanical platform and to establish the conceptual and experimental basis of timetronics.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD or equivalent qualification in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline relevant to nanophotonics and/or nanomechanics. A demonstrable record of research achievement and dissemination in these areas of research is required. Experience in nanofabrication and computational multi-physics or electromagnetics modelling would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary nanophotonics research group within the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), led by Professor N. Zheludev FRS, NAE (USA), see http://www.nanophotonics.org.uk/.

This is a full-time fixed-term position for 2 years from early 2026.

The post is available at the level of Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow, depending on experience. For consideration as a Senior Research Fellow, it is essential that you have substantial experience encompassing, for example, project/resource/laboratory management, supervision of other research team members, contribution to research funding proposals.

For informal enquiries, please write to Dr Eric Plum (erp@orc.soton.ac.uk).