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Postdoctoral Research Associate (Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies)
| Posting date: | 27 October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,784 to £47,389 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 14 November 2025 |
| Location: | Birmingham, West Midlands |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Aston University |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 1130-25 |
Summary
We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work in the field of the Nonlinear Fourier Transform (NFT) and soliton theory and its applications in optical signal processing at the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT). You will join the team of Dr Auro M. Perego, Associate Professor at AIPT, and you will work under the framework of an EPSRC project “Optical Darboux Transformer for nonlinear signal processing”, also in collaboration with Dr. Mingming Tan, Research Fellow at AIPT, and with international project research partners too.
In this three-year post, you will work at state-of-the-art problem in the applications of the nonlinear Fourier Transform and namely at the development of optical filters and multiplexers for the nonlinear spectrum of an optical signal. The research project will build on recent research performed in Dr. Perego’s team about the implementation of the mathematical Darboux Transformation in the optical domain resulting in the proposal of the Optical Darboux Transformer (ODT) device to control the nonlinear Fourier spectrum. You will develop your research, in synergy with experimentalists at the AIPT, on the ODT applications in telecom, and for the control of nonlinear dynamics of light in fibre lasers and optical resonators.
The successful candidate will have completed (by the start date of the contract) a PhD degree in Photonics, Theoretical Physics, Optical Engineering, or Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and will have a proven track record in performing independent research in theoretical nonlinear fibre optics, or in soliton theory and the nonlinear Fourier Transform. Previous experience in the analytical investigation and numerical modelling of light propagation in nonlinear optical fibres, fibre lasers or resonators is required. Previous research experience in the field of the Nonlinear Fourier Transform and soliton theory and/or experimental work in nonlinear fibre optics is desirable.
By joining AIPT you will be part of one of the largest research centres in photonics in UK and the Europe. AIPT is an internationally recognised institution at the forefront of research in several fields of photonics including theoretical, numerical, and experimental nonlinear photonics, optical communications, optical sensing and signal processing, optical frequency combs, biophotonics, fibre lasers, and semiconductor lasers. AIPT hosts the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing and has developed extensive partnerships and collaboration with top level academic and industrial partners worldwide.
For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Dr Auro Perego, Aipt Assoc Professorial Research Fellow (a.perego1@aston.ac.uk)
What we offer:
Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
Great family-friendly policies.
On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
In this three-year post, you will work at state-of-the-art problem in the applications of the nonlinear Fourier Transform and namely at the development of optical filters and multiplexers for the nonlinear spectrum of an optical signal. The research project will build on recent research performed in Dr. Perego’s team about the implementation of the mathematical Darboux Transformation in the optical domain resulting in the proposal of the Optical Darboux Transformer (ODT) device to control the nonlinear Fourier spectrum. You will develop your research, in synergy with experimentalists at the AIPT, on the ODT applications in telecom, and for the control of nonlinear dynamics of light in fibre lasers and optical resonators.
The successful candidate will have completed (by the start date of the contract) a PhD degree in Photonics, Theoretical Physics, Optical Engineering, or Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and will have a proven track record in performing independent research in theoretical nonlinear fibre optics, or in soliton theory and the nonlinear Fourier Transform. Previous experience in the analytical investigation and numerical modelling of light propagation in nonlinear optical fibres, fibre lasers or resonators is required. Previous research experience in the field of the Nonlinear Fourier Transform and soliton theory and/or experimental work in nonlinear fibre optics is desirable.
By joining AIPT you will be part of one of the largest research centres in photonics in UK and the Europe. AIPT is an internationally recognised institution at the forefront of research in several fields of photonics including theoretical, numerical, and experimental nonlinear photonics, optical communications, optical sensing and signal processing, optical frequency combs, biophotonics, fibre lasers, and semiconductor lasers. AIPT hosts the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing and has developed extensive partnerships and collaboration with top level academic and industrial partners worldwide.
For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Dr Auro Perego, Aipt Assoc Professorial Research Fellow (a.perego1@aston.ac.uk)
What we offer:
Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
Great family-friendly policies.
On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
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