Research Fellow in Photonic Nanofabrication on Sapphire for Thin-Disk Lasers, University of Southampton (Horizon Europe FAST)
Job Description
The University of Southampton is hiring a Research Fellow in photonic nanofabrication for the Horizon Europe project FAST. You will make nanostructures on sapphire that improve a new kind of thin-disk laser mirror. The post pays £37,369 to £45,641 a year for 24 months.
At a glance
- Position: Research Fellow, ERE Level 4, full time, 24 months (ref. 3521426FP)
- Where: School of Electronics and Computer Science, with the Optoelectronics Research Centre, Highfield Campus
- Pay: £37,369 to £45,641 a year
- Contacts: Prof. Harold Chong (line manager) and Dr Jacob Mackenzie
- Apply: 4 November 2026, 11.59 pm UK time
What the photonic nanofabrication fellow will do
- Develop scalable electron-beam lithography for photonic nanostructures on sapphire and similar substrates
- Develop plasma-etch processes for those structures
- Make nanostructures that reduce amplified spontaneous emission on a new active mirror for thin-disk lasers
- Join the structures with rare-earth-doped sapphire crystals and scale them up
- Characterise the parts with lasers, and work with partners across Europe
- The job description gives about 80% of time to research
Why this role matters
FAST aims to make rare-earth-doped sapphire, a new laser crystal, and turn it into thin-disk parts. Thin-disk lasers give high power with good beam quality. Your cleanroom work decides how well the new mirrors perform. It is a strong step for anyone heading to a photonics fab or laser company.
What University of Southampton is looking for
- A PhD (RQF Level 8) in physics, photonics, engineering, chemistry or mathematics
- Hands-on micro- and nanofabrication of sub-micron structures in a cleanroom
- Fluent written and spoken English
- Able to plan your own research to deadlines, with good health and safety awareness
- Able to travel to partner institutions in the EU for short visits
Nice to have
- Sub-wavelength photonic nanostructures on sapphire
- Electron-beam lithography and plasma etching
- SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, and free-space or fibre optical testing
- A publication record and project management experience
Pay and location
The salary is £37,369 to £45,641 a year. The post is full time and fixed term for 24 months. You will have access to cleanrooms and materials characterisation labs. The work is on the Highfield Campus in Southampton, England. Check your right to work in the UK before you apply.
How to apply
Apply through the official University of Southampton page. The closing date is 4 November 2026, 11.59 pm UK time. Use the Apply Online button on the vacancy page. Read the job description (Word file) for the full person specification. The assessment may include a numerical or written test. Quote reference 3521426FP.
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Hiring institution: University of Southampton
Official advertisement: jobs.soton.ac.uk
How to prepare for this application
- List the e-beam and etch recipes you have run, with feature sizes and materials
- Bring SEM images of your best structures and explain the process window
- Read up on amplified spontaneous emission in thin-disk lasers
- Explain how you would scale a process from a test chip to a full component
- Prepare for a short numerical or written test
About the University of Southampton
The University of Southampton received its Royal Charter in 1952. It is a founding member of the Russell Group. Its Optoelectronics Research Centre is one of the largest photonics research groups in the world.
