"Senior Research Technician"

Join the pioneering Hollow Core Fibre Research Group at the University of Southampton. We are a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians working together to push the boundaries of optical fibre technology, through innovative research on hollow core fibres (HCFs). Exploiting collaborations with a host of industry partners we look to develop novel optical fibres that bring progress to society.

Role Overview: We are seeking a Senior Research Technician for an industrially-funded project sponsored by Microsoft Azure Fiber, aiming to develop HCFs for high-capacity, ultrafast data communications. The position is funded until December 2027, with a strong possibility of renewal beyond that. You will be working on fabrication of novel optical preforms and fibres, including all aspects of glass preform manufacture, optical fibre drawing, polymer coating optimisation and fibre characterisation. The project will involve a close interaction with the design and development teams to successfully transfer novel research ideas into manufacturing.

As part of our project team, you will:

• Lead manufacturing processes necessary to produce microstructured/hollow preforms and optical fibres
• Provide a repair and fault-finding service, including planned maintenance of equipment and devices within the work environment
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers on process and equipment improvements
• Support the development and transfer of manufacturing processes
• Develop process control tools and identify trends and correlations
• Develop operating procedures and process control documentation
• Disseminate and present results to internal and external stakeholders

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Substantial experience in manufacturing of optical components
• Knowledge of cleanroom working environment and equipment
• Excellent problem-solving ability, and substantial experience troubleshooting complex devices or systems
• A strong desire to learn and grow professionally
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Practical knowledge of optical fibres and their properties
• Experience with specialty optical fibres, ideally hollow core fibres
• Experience in the use of a glass-working lathe and/or a fibre draw tower
• Knowledge of CAD and basic workshop tools
• Proficiency with basic optical test equipment
• Hands-on experience with optoelectronics lab devices and equipment (e.g. lasers, detectors, lens systems, OSAs, OTDRs, oscilloscopes)
• Experience with test and measurement lab automation and scripting experience in relevant environments (e.g. Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB)

What We Offer:

• Hands-on training in the fabrication procedures used for our cutting-edge hollow core fibres
• A supportive team environment with colleagues committed to your growth and success
• Opportunities to work on high-impact research projects that can change our world with leading scientific and industrial organisations worldwide

This position will suit an applicant who aims to rapidly grow their knowledge, cultivate high-impact and valuable skills on the forefront of advanced optical technology, and achieve mastery in a range of cutting-edge fibre-optic fabrication techniques. With the growth in these skills, it is expected that the position will evolve into an increasingly independent role, so you should possess the ability to self-organise and plan your schedule of work to align with the larger team goals.

To informally discuss this position, please contact Francesco Poletti, fp@soton.ac.uk