Space–time metamaterials and structured light: fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network PhD position (SPARK)

The science

Metamaterials have transformed how we shape light in space. Making their response change in time opens a new dimension: time-varying media can shift the frequency of light, reflect it in time and create effective moving interfaces without anything physically moving [2]. Transparent conducting oxides operated near their epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) point can switch their optical response within a few femtoseconds, approaching a single optical cycle. Our group has used this effect to perform a time-domain version of Young's double-slit experiment at optical frequencies [1]. SPARK builds on these advances to create new photonic technologies based on spatiotemporal metamaterials and structured light.

Project: Space–Time Beams for and from Space–Time Metamaterials

This project will experimentally generate and characterise space–time beams interacting with space–time metamaterials. You will develop complex helical light fields for excitation and observe synthetic motion with circular acceleration, together with the corresponding synchrotron radiation. Target results include the observation of non-separable space–time beams via hyperspectral imaging, supported by theoretical modelling of synthetic motion. The project includes a six-month academic secondment at Universidad Pública de Navarra (Prof. I. Liberal) for theory development, and a three-month industrial secondment at Nireos for advanced spectroscopy techniques. It will be closely linked to the experiments and theory carried out across the SPARK network.

The network and training

SPARK will train a cohort of 15 DCs to become the future R&D leaders in spatiotemporal metamaterials and light fields. The network links strategic industry partners with leading academic groups at Eindhoven University of Technology (coordinator), Umeå University, INESC MN (Lisbon), Université de Namur, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Imperial College London. You will take part in network-wide research and transferable skills training, workshops and conferences, and gain first-hand industrial experience through your secondments. The projects involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research, and you will work closely with colleagues at Imperial and across the whole network.

Who we are looking for

You will hold (or be about to complete) a Master's degree in Physics, Engineering or an equivalent discipline, with an interest in experimental nanophotonics, ultrafast optics and metamaterials. You will have experience of a Master's research project, or equivalent, in a relevant experimental field. We are looking for excellent written and verbal communication skills, a creative approach to problem solving, the ability to develop new concepts, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Eligibility

Applicants of any nationality are welcome, subject to the MSCA Doctoral Network rules. At the time of recruitment you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, study, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before your start date, and you must not already hold a doctoral degree.

How to apply

Apply through the Imperial College London jobs website (see the application web page below). Your application must include a full CV and a two-page research statement, in addition to the supporting statement on the application form, describing what you see as the interesting research questions for the project and why your expertise is relevant. Positions are for 36 months, starting on 1 February 2027.

Enquiries

Professor Riccardo Sapienza r.sapienza@imperial.ac.uk

Funding Notes

The position is fully funded for 36 months by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network SPARK (HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01). The successful candidate will be employed by Imperial College London as a Research Assistant (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate) on a salary of £35,470 to £46,863 per annum, with potential additional allowances depending on family status in line with MSCA rules, and with the standard benefits for Imperial employees. Funding includes network training, a six-month academic secondment and a three-month industrial secondment. Candidates must meet the MSCA mobility rule and must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

References

[1] R. Tirole, S. Vezzoli, E. Galiffi, I. Robertson, D. Maurice, B. Tilmann, S. A. Maier, J. B. Pendry and R. Sapienza, Double-slit time diffraction at optical frequencies, Nature Physics 19, 999 (2023).

[2] E. Galiffi, R. Tirole, S. Yin, H. Li, S. Vezzoli, P. A. Huidobro, M. G. Silveirinha, R. Sapienza, A. Alù and J. B. Pendry, Photonics of time-varying media, Advanced Photonics 4, 014002 (2022).