Research Fellow in Nonlinear Photonics

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join an exciting European Research Council funded project focused on nonlinear nanophotonics and nonlinear metasurface-enabled spectroscopy and imaging in the Advanced Optics and Photonics (AOP) Group. The research will explore how engineered optical resonances and nonlinear light-matter interactions can enable new approaches to near-infrared detection, optical frequency conversion and computational imaging.

You will undertake innovative experimental and simulation-based research, contributing to the development of new knowledge in nonlinear nanophotonics, metasurfaces and optical spectroscopy. Key activities will include electromagnetic modelling, developing optical setups, measuring linear and nonlinear optical responses, and implementing imaging and image-reconstruction techniques. The work will investigate resonantly enhanced nonlinear processes, including harmonic generation and frequency mixing, and their application to wavelength conversion and the recovery of spatial and spectral information.

You will contribute to research planning, data analysis, publications, conference presentations and future funding applications. You will also support the wider research environment through collaboration with academic partners, supervision of student projects and occasional teaching of research methods and techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your research profile while contributing to a cutting-edge area of photonics research.

Interview date: w/c 16th November

About Us

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.

In the Department of Engineering we deliver research and teaching in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and sport engineering. We are building a global reputation in areas including human performance and human factors, future materials, biomedical engineering, and robotics. We are working with industrial partners in technology, automotive, aircraft, marine, healthcare engineering, and with sports teams to help them beat world records.

For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr. Lei Xu at

Join Us

• 30 - 35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
• Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
• Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
• Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
• Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
• And a whole lot more…Find out more about the we offer.

Come and be part of our success. Apply today.

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Whilst this role is currently eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position, or for more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.