"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 to push the boundaries of optical fibre technology through innovative research in state-of-the-art hollow core fibres (HCF). Through our research, we work to create new HCF designs, and through strong collaboration with a host of industry partners, we look to put these novel fibres into practice in the field.

Role Overview: We are seeking a Senior Research Technician to become part of an industrially-funded project developing HCF for a new type of fibre-optic sensor. The position is funded for an initial period of 2 years, with a strong possibility of continuation.

As part of our project team, you will:

• Lead the optical test & measurement for the project team’s hollow core fibres including responsibility for all data acquisition and reporting
• Assume ownership of test and measurement schedule and project delivery planning to ensure timely execution of all milestones
• Design and implement new optical test and measurement systems
• Mentor junior colleagues and teach them optical test and measurement procedures
• Improve test processes and systems by proactively engaging with the research team to streamline existing methods and develop new ones
• Disseminate and present results to internal and external stakeholders

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Substantial experience in testing, characterisation, and/or manufacturing of optical fibres or fibre-optic components
• Hands-on experience with optoelectronics lab devices and equipment (e.g. lasers, detectors, lens systems, OSAs, OTDRs, oscilloscopes)
• Excellent problem-solving ability, and substantial experience troubleshooting complex fibre-optic devices or optoelectronic systems
• A strong desire to learn and grow professionally
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience with specialty optical fibres, ideally hollow core fibres
• Experience aligning and testing complex fibre-optic and free-space optical systems
• Knowledge of CAD and basic workshop tools
• 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 test and measurement techniques 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 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 test and measurement techniques. With the growth in these skills, it is expected that the position will evolve into an increasingly independent role, so the successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to self-organise and plan their schedule of work to align with the larger team goals.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.

With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

To informally discuss this position, please contact Dr. Austin Taranta, a.a.taranta@soton.ac.uk