Research Associate in Fabrication and Optical Spectroscopy of Two-Dimensional Heterostructure Devices

Role: Research Associate in Fabrication and Optical Spectroscopy of Two-Dimensional Heterostructure Devices 

Grade and Salary: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 4 months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

About our Team 

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory (QPL) at Heriot-Watt University is an internationally recognised research group working at the interface of quantum photonics, condensed matter physics, and two-dimensional materials. The group comprises approximately 25 researchers, including academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students, and conducts research spanning quantum light sources, strongly correlated quantum materials, van der Waals heterostructures, moiré materials, and spin-based quantum technologies. 

The laboratory operates state-of-the-art facilities for optical and quantum-optical spectroscopy, cryogenic measurements, nanofabrication, and the assembly of complex two-dimensional material heterostructures. Researchers within the group collaborate extensively with leading academic and industrial partners internationally, providing an exciting and highly interdisciplinary research environment. 

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a highly motivated experimental physicist for a fixed-term Research Associate position of four months. The successful candidate will contribute to research on the optical, nonlinear-optical, and quantum-optical properties of two-dimensional materials and van der Waals heterostructures. 

The successful candidate will work across complementary research activities in two-dimensional materials and quantum photonics. These include nonlinear and quantum optical studies of layered ferroelectric materials, including NbOBr2 and related systems, together with ultrafast optical spectroscopy of semiconductor moiré heterostructures undertaken in collaboration with external partners. The precise balance of activities will depend on project progress and the expertise of the successful candidate. 

The post holder will have access to a wide range of experimental facilities within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory, including cryogenic spectroscopy platforms, single-photon detection technologies, advanced nanofabrication facilities, and automated systems for the assembly of two-dimensional material heterostructures. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers at Heriot-Watt and external collaborators and may participate in a short research visit to a collaborating ultrafast-laser facility. Given the short duration of the appointment, the post holder will be expected to make rapid experimental progress and contribute effectively to ongoing team projects. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Research 

• Fabricate and characterise novel  van der Waals heterostructures using all-dry assembly and atomic force microscopy techniques. 
• Conduct high-quality experimental research on the optical, nonlinear-optical, and quantum-optical properties of two-dimensional materials and van der Waals heterostructures. 
• Design, build, optimise, and operate advanced optical spectroscopy experiments using techniques appropriate to the research programme. 
• Perform linear, nonlinear, and time-resolved optical characterisation of semiconductor and layered-material heterostructures using techniques such as photoluminescence, reflectance, Raman spectroscopy, second-harmonic generation, and pump-probe spectroscopy. 
• Investigate excitonic, many-body, nonlinear-optical, and quantum-optical phenomena in atomically thin materials and engineered van der Waals structures. 
• Contribute to experiments on nonlinear frequency conversion and quantum light generation in layered materials, including second-harmonic generation and spontaneous parametric down-conversion where appropriate. 
• Contribute to quantum-optical characterisation using single-photon detection, photon-correlation measurements, and related techniques where appropriate. 
• Analyse experimental data and develop physical models and interpretations of the observed optical and quantum phenomena. 

Project Delivery 

• Carry out the research project to a high scientific standard and meet agreed milestones and deliverables within the four-month appointment. 
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure data are stored according to agreed data-management procedures. 
• Report research progress regularly to supervisors and project collaborators. 

Collaboration and Supervision 

• Work collaboratively within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and with national and international collaborators. 
• Assist in the supervision and mentoring of PhD students, MSc students, and undergraduate project students where appropriate. 
• Contribute to the maintenance and development of shared experimental facilities. 
• Participate actively in laboratory meetings, collaborative projects, knowledge-exchange activities, and research visits where required. 

Dissemination 

• Contribute to the preparation of research findings for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals. 
• Present and discuss results at research meetings, workshops, conferences, and with project collaborators as appropriate. 
• Contribute to future research proposals and collaborative funding applications where appropriate. 
• Engage in outreach and public-engagement activities where appropriate. 

Essential Criteria 

1. A first-class or upper-second-class degree and a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 
2. Strong background in experimental optics, condensed matter physics, semiconductor physics, quantum optics, or a related field. 
3. Demonstrated experience in optical spectroscopy of semiconductor, quantum-material, or two-dimensional material systems. 
4. Demonstrated experience in the fabrication of complex heterostructure devices. 
5. Scientific programming, data acquisition, or instrument automation. 
6. Experience designing, assembling, operating, and troubleshooting advanced optical experiments. 
7. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team. 
8. Willingness and ability to participate in short collaborative research visits if required. 

Desirable Criteria 

1. Experience with exciton dynamics, moiré materials, strongly correlated phenomena, or many-body effects in semiconductor systems. 
2. Experience with cryogenic instrumentation and low-temperature optical measurements. 
3. Experience with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar scientific programming environments. 
4. Experience supervising or mentoring students. 
5. Experience contributing to collaborative research projects or grant proposals. 
6. Evidence of ability to work across disciplinary boundaries spanning optics, quantum photonics, materials science, and condensed matter physics. 

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 25th September 2026.

Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system. 

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.