Research Associate

About us

A post-doctoral research associate position is available at the Photonics & Nanotechnology group, Physics Department, King's College London, funded by the EPSRC 3D-Metamaterial Hub for Sustainability ( King's part of pioneering hub to advance cutting-edge metamaterials | King's College London ).

The research in Photonics & Nanotechnology Group ( ) involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and of novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in sustainability, nonlinear optics, photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy.

The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading-edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles, and their applications. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, photochemistry, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling.

About the role

The successful candidate will work on the numerical design and modelling of three-dimensional optical metamaterials, with a focus on their nonlinear optical properties and molecular interactions with metamaterials. We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with prior experience in simulating the optical properties of plasmonic and dielectric metamaterials, and a proven track record of supporting experimental work in this field. The candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues at King's College London involved in the fabrication and optical characterisation of metamaterials, as well as with academic and industry partners within the MetaHub consortium.

The post holder will contribute to internationally leading research and play an active role in shaping the future direction of the project. They will also be responsible for supervising PhD and MSc students working on related topics. This position offers an excellent opportunity to further develop expertise in a rapidly evolving field, while gaining experience in managing both research activities and team members.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2027.

Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified in relevant subject area

2. Experience in modelling of optical 3D metamaterials and 2D metasurfaces

3. Experience in modelling of plasmonic nanostructures

4. Experience with Comsol software,

5. Experience with CST and/or Lumerical software

6. Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing

7. Ability to work as a part of a team

8. Strong presentation and communication skills

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in application of machine learning to metamaterials modelling

2. Experience in modelling molecular interactions

3. Experience in modelling of mass transport at the nanoscale

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ' How we Recruit ' pages.

Interviews are due to be held in December 2025/ January 2026.

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