Postdoctoral Research Associate in Free Space Optical Communication Systems for Inter-Satellite Links

4 weeks ago


Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Northumbria University Full time

About the role

Applications are invited for a 9-month postdoctoral research position in the area of optical inter-satellite laser communication systems. The successful candidate will work in the Department of Mathematics Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University, within the Northumbria Space Technology Laboratory and Optical Communication Research Group (OCRG). The candidate will work within a team preparing an in-orbit technology demonstration mission, for a novel laser communications system for CubeSats. For further information about the Northumbria Space Technology Laboratory see here:

This position is funded by UK Space Agency with grant reference number (UKSAG22_0042). The project focuses on the design, testing, and build of hardware and software for two 6U CubeSats to launch into Low Earth Orbit and demonstrate the function of a free space optical link between CubeSats. The project is led by Northumbria University and includes partners from Durham University, Telespazio and Smart Sentry SMS, as well as support from Lockheed Martin UK Space. The overall aim of the role is to lead the development of the laser-based optical communication payload, including design, simulation, testing and building of flight models including mechanical, electronic, and software interfaces with the CubeSat bus.

About you

The ideal candidate should have a PhD in physics or engineering with experience in working in a laboratory environment, or a track record of professional experience in aerospace, satellite technology or optical communication research projects. Experience in programming in C and with real time operating systems and / or experience with other similar optical communication projects is essential. Experience in working with (i) high-power (>1W) and high-speed (>1Gbps) laser sources, laser characterisation techniques, alignment, and beam profiling in both the visible and infra-red wavelengths; and (ii) high-speed optical receivers and laser-based position sensing are required. The role will include acceptance testing and assembly of parts and so the ability to design and follow work flows to meet specified requirements, with short and frequent reporting deadlines, is important. Environmental and system level testing of the payload will also be part of the project and so experience with or knowledge of product acceptance and quality assurance standards and techniques is desirable.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Eamon Scullion on

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.



  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY Full time

    ABOUT USAt Northumbria, we embrace tomorrow. We pursue new thinking, forge new partnerships, create, and exchange new knowledge, and find new solutions. Our inspirational academics, partners and students work together to tackle tomorrow's challenges head on. We are ready for the future whatever it may hold. Awarded the title of University of the Year in the...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY Full time

    ABOUT USAt Northumbria, we embrace tomorrow. We pursue new thinking, forge new partnerships, create, and exchange new knowledge, and find new solutions. Our inspirational academics, partners and students work together to tackle tomorrow's challenges head on. We are ready for the future whatever it may hold. Awarded the title of University of the Year in the...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY Full time

    ABOUT USAt Northumbria, we embrace tomorrow. We pursue new thinking, forge new partnerships, create, and exchange new knowledge, and find new solutions. Our inspirational academics, partners and students work together to tackle tomorrow's challenges head on. We are ready for the future whatever it may hold. Awarded the title of University of the Year in the...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Postdoctoral Research Associate Romance syntax/semantics (fixed term) Requisition ID: 27015 Location: Newcastle, GB Contract Type: Fixed Term Working Pattern: Full Time Posted Date: 3 May 2024 Salary: £33,966...

  • Optical Advisor

    4 days ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Optical Express Full time

    Job Title - Optical AdvisorLocation - NewcastleHours - Full TimeSalary - Competitive, bonus & benefitsOptical Express is focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in our people and technology.The Optical Express team work together, collectively and consistently striving for excellence. We support...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.The RoleWe are seeking to appoint a second Postdoctoral Research...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.The RoleWe are seeking to appoint a second Postdoctoral Research...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Company description:We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.Job description:The RoleWe are seeking to...

  • Optical Assistant

    4 days ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Zest Optical Full time

    Join to apply for the Optical Assistant - Newcastle - Independent - Boutique Practice role at Zest Optical Recruitment 4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Optical Assistant - Newcastle - Independent - Boutique Practice role at Zest Optical Recruitment Save this job with your existing LinkedIn profile, or create a new...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Northumbria University Full time

    ABOUT THE ROLE This position is funded by UK Space Agency with grant reference number (UKSAG22_0042). The project focuses on the design, testing, and build of hardware and software for two 6U CubeSats to launch into Low Earth Orbit and demonstrate the function of a free space optical link between CubeSats. The project is funded by the UK Space Agency and...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Northumbria University Full time

    ABOUT THE ROLE Applications are invited for a 9-month project manager position to lead the project management of both the consortium and project level and the Northumbria University team at work-package level. The successful candidate will work in the Department of Mathematics Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University, within the...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY Full time

    ABOUT THE ROLEApplications are invited for a 9-month project manager position to lead the project management of both the consortium and project level and the Northumbria University team at work-package level. The successful candidate will work in the Department of Mathematics Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University, within the leadership...

  • Research Associate

    4 days ago


    Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Salary:Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annumResearch Associate: £33,966 to £36,024 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 01 April...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Salary: Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annumSenior Research Associate: £45,585 per annum Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 23 June 2024...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Salary:Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annumSenior Research Associate:£45,585 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 23 June 2024The...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Salary:Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annumSenior Research Associate:£45,585 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 23 June 2024The...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    The RoleWe seek an enthusiastic and ambitious postdoctoral research associate based at the Translational and Clinical Research Institute to investigate how specific regulators of microglia state (abundance/function) influence the microglia-endothelial cell axis in the development and progression of white matter abnormalities relevant to vascular cognitive...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    The RoleWe seek an enthusiastic and ambitious postdoctoral research associate based at the Translational and Clinical Research Institute to investigate how specific regulators of microglia state (abundance/function) influence the microglia-endothelial cell axis in the development and progression of white matter abnormalities relevant to vascular cognitive...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Salary:Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annumResearch Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 03 July...


  • Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Newcastle University Full time

    Salary: £33,966 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 18 February 2024The RoleWe are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join...