King's College London

About us

A post-doctoral research associate position is available at the Photonics & Nanotechnology group, Physics Department, King’s College London, funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant Next Generation Metamaterials: Exploiting Four Dimensions (META4D)—a collaboration between King’s College London, Imperial College London and University of Exeter.

The research in Photonics & Nanotechnology Group (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/photonics-nanotechnology) involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and of novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy. The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading-edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling. 

About the role

A successful candidate will be working on the EPSRC funded project Next Generation Metamaterials: Exploiting Four Dimensions (META4D), in particular on the experimental investigations of novel epsilon-near-zero materials, and time-varying and nonlinear effects in metamaterials. We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with previous experience in femtosecond lasers and pump-probe spectroscopy. They will collaborate with the project partners at Imperial College London and University of Exeter, as well as with the industry project partners. The post holder will engage in internationally-leading research and to take a role in determining the future path of this research. 

Furthermore, the role holder will be responsible for the supervision of PhD and MSc students working on the relevant topics with the project. It is an excellent opportunity for a researcher to further their skill set in a rapidly advancing field, as well as providing opportunities to manage and take responsibility for both research tasks and people.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email.

This is a full time role and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/03/2028.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.      PhD qualified in relevant subject area (or pending results)

2.      Experience with femtosecond lasers

3.      Experience in ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy

4.      Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing

5.      Ability to work as a part of a team

6.      Strong presentation and communication skills

7.      Good attention to detail

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience in plasmonics and/or metamaterials

2.      Experience in working with epsilon near-zero media

3.      Experience in numerical simulations

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held in late November.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.