Postdoctoral Research Assistant in optical neural networks; experiment

Location: Atomic and Laser Physics, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Department of Physics.

Machine learning has made enormous progress during recent years, entering almost all spheres of technology, economy and our everyday life. Machines perform comparably to, or even surpass humans in playing board and computer games, driving cars, recognizing images, reading and comprehension. It is probably fair to say that an artificial neural network can perform better than a human in any environment it has complete knowledge of.

These developments however impose growing demand on our computing capabilities, including both the size of neural networks and the processing rate. This is particularly concerning in view of the decline of Moore’s law.

The project is to implement artificial neural networks using optics rather than electronics. Optical neural networks would enable us to enhance both the power efficiency and speed of neural networks by several orders of magnitude. The specific aim is to develop a conceptually novel deep optics neural network with analogue electronic activation function. These neural networks will be operational without any involvement from digital computers, and approach animal brain in terms of both productivity and energy efficiency.

Group web page: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

The postholder will manage their own academic research and administrative activities, develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols and contribute ideas for new research projects. They will also collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters, as well as using specialise scientific equipment in a laboratory environment.

The successful applicant will hold or be close to completion of a PhD in Physics, or a related field, have a superb research/publication record and have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication. They will also have the ability to manage their own academic research and associated activities as well as the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.

For further details about the role, please see the job description, click the 'Apply' button above. You will be required to upload a CV, graduate and undergraduate transcripts and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 5 February 2026. Interviews are expected to be held in mid-February 2026

£39,424 to £47,779 per annum : RESEARCH GRADE 7