We invite applications for an exciting opportunity in the Centre for Photonics at the University of Bath. The role is available for up to 7 months as a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to develop advanced optical fibre technologies for ultraviolet (UV-C) quantum key distribution (QKD) in satellite communication networks. This well-resourced and collaborative project is led by the University of Bristol, with partners at the Universities of Strathclyde and York and Fraunhofer UK, and aims to extend the security benefits of quantum communication to a truly global scale.
Working closely with our collaborators, you will contribute to the development of a hollow-core optical fibre designed to operate in the UV-C spectral region (100–280 nm). The fibre will act as a mode-filtering solution that ensures secure quantum key distribution without disturbing the polarisation encoding—addressing one of the most challenging aspects of satellite-based quantum communication systems.
You will design, fabricate, and characterise hollow-core fibres that are single-moded at UV-C wavelengths and exhibit temperature- and stress-independent polarisation behaviour. Your work will draw on the University of Bath’s research-grade optical fibre fabrication cleanroom and state-of-the-art photonics laboratories. The project offers an opportunity to expand your expertise in fibre fabrication, UV photonics, and quantum technologies, and to contribute to the development of a pathfinder platform for future global quantum networks.
You will hold (or be close to completing) a doctorate in experimental photonics, quantum optics, or a closely related discipline. Strong experimental skills and a solid understanding of optical waveguides and light–matter interactions are required. Experience with optical fibre fabrication, hollow-core fibre, or ultraviolet photonics will be advantageous but is not essential.
The Centre for Photonics is a collaborative research environment of around 50 academics, researchers, and postgraduate students. The Department of Physics at the University of Bath is a research-led department committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from groups typically under-represented in UK physics departments.
This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term role with an expected start date of September 2026 until March 2027.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Kristina Rusimova ([email protected]).
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
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We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
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Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
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Generous employer contributory pension schemes
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Cycle to work scheme
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Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
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Staff discount at Team Bath gym
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Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
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Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
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A family-friendly workplace
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An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
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Relocation allowance
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Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
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Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
Find out more about our benefits hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
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Staff support groups and networks
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A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
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A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Find out more about being at your best at Bath.
- Job Description & Person Specification
- Job Description & Person Specification
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.
