Research Assistant​/Associate

Organisation/Company Imperial College London Department Department of Physics Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Final date to receive applications 28 Feb 2026 - 11:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The post arises from the ERC-Advanced project “Light interaction with synthetically moving
metamaterials-LUMINOUS” at Imperial College London with the objective of advancing our understanding
of materials that vary in time and synthetic motion. The successful applicant will be expected to work with
Professor Riccardo Sapienza and our experimental collaborators to develop experiments in the field of
metamaterials that vary in space and time. More details at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

At Research Associate level:
To carry out research programmes in photonic metamaterials, nanophotonics, ultrafast spectroscopy and structured light generation, undertake project management and/or supervise multi-disciplinary teams.

The Research Associate will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

The main duties will include:

• Develop ultrafast optical experiments to study optical metamaterials, to structure light in space and time using spatial light modulators and digital micromirrors, and to use it to modulate materials.
• Characterisation of time-varying photonic metamaterials to identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data.

Research Associate:
Hold a PhD in Optics, Photonics, Metamaterials or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
* Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Research Assistant: A first / masters degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Engineering, Material Science or related.

Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
-Essential

Experience with optical metamaterials and nanophotonics
- Essential- (Associate)

Practical experience in a broad range of techniques for structured light
- Essential

Experience with ultrafast lasers and spectroscopy - Desirable

Practical experience optical apparatus design and microscopy Desirable

Knowledge of experimental methods in optics
-Essential

Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures Essential

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Physics

Internal Application form(s) needed

Research Assistant or Associate Job Description (2).pdf

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant

Queries relating to the application process should be directed to Judith Baylis, Senior Administrator -