Postdoctoral Research Associate in Novel Optical Phenomena in Time-Varying Systems

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Nonlinear and Time-Varying Photonic Systems

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed for 12 Months 

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.

Detailed Description

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to research on emerging optical phenomena in time-varying and nonlinear photonic systems, with a particular focus on advanced material platforms and integrated device architectures.

The role requires a strong theoretical background in nonlinear optics, ultrafast photonics, and integrated photonics, alongside the ability to develop predictive models for optical materials and photonic devices. The successful candidate will work at the interface of theory, modelling, and experimental photonics within an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research in nonlinear, ultrafast, and integrated photonics.
• Develop predictive theoretical and computational models for optical materials and photonic devices.
• Perform numerical modelling and simulation of optical systems using tools such as MATLAB, Python, COMSOL Multiphysics, Lumerical, or equivalent platforms.
• Contribute to experimental laboratory work in ultrafast and nonlinear optics.
• Develop and optimise experimental setups.
• Work effectively within interdisciplinary and international research teams.
• Contribute to collaborative projects with academic and industrial partners.
• Liaise with external collaborators and suppliers where required.
• Support the wider research activities of the group.

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Criteria

• PhD (or near completion) in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong theoretical foundation in nonlinear optics, ultrafast photonics, and integrated photonics.
• Demonstrable experience in numerical modelling and simulation of optical systems.
• Experience working with modelling tools such as MATLAB, Python, COMSOL Multiphysics, Lumerical, or equivalent.
• Experience contributing to experimental research in optics or photonics laboratories.
• Experience analysing and interpreting complex experimental data.

How to Apply 

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV  

Applications should be submitted by midnight on Thursday 5th March 2026.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community. 

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. 

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ . 

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.