Research Associate in Mid-infrared lasers for industrial applications
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Applicant Information – Ref 332/13
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the
professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. Our research ranges from fundamental
sciences through to engineering applications, all of which are supported by strong external funding. We have around
110 full-time academic staff who drive this research activity and are based in 5 research institutes: the Institute of
Chemical Sciences, the Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences, the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy
Engineering, the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, BioPhysics &
BioEngineering.
The increasing strength of research activity in the school is affirmed by our excellent performance in REF2014. Our
research quality was assessed in 3 'Units of Assessment', namely General Engineering (joint submission with the
University of Edinburgh), Physics and Chemistry. With improvements in all three subjects, our publications or 'research
outputs' were particularly highly rated, with >91% rated as 3 or 4 star (internationally excellent or world leading). We
showed particularly strong performances of 95% on this measure for both Physics and Chemistry. In General
Engineering, 60% of our Impact was rated as world leading, demonstrating the practical significance and industrial
relevance of our research, and on a measure of 'research power' we were first in the UK.
The Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (http://www.eps.hw.ac.uk/institutes/photonics-quantumsciences.htm) builds on Heriot-Watt’s 40+ years of history in world-leading research in photonics and spans a broad
range of research – from lasers and optical sensing approaches to future manufacturing methods and the fundamentals
of quantum information.
Heriot-Watt is the lead institution of the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production
Processes, which is a multi-university centre with strong embedded industry engagement to provide both UK national
leadership and an industry-facing globally-competitive research programme. The Centre’s research will exploit the
unique capabilities of laser light to develop new laser-based manufacturing processes, at both micro and macro levels,
supported by new laser device technology, as well as process monitoring and system technologies.
Heriot-Watt has received the Bronze Award from the Athena SWAN Charter recognising excellence in championing
employment of women in the fields of science and technology, engineering and mathematics. We continue to
welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic
posts at Heriot-Watt.
Job Description
An immediate opportunity is available at the Research Associate level to work on mid-infrared lasers for industrial
applications.
The present post is for a Research Associate within Institute of Photonics & Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt
University and associated with the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes.
(http://www.cim-laser.ac.uk/)
The post will be focused on the research required for the Centre’s project on 2 µm lasers for industrial applications.
The initial objective of this project is to collate all the relevant information on modern 2 µm lasers, as well as critically
evaluate the emerging laser processes which will benefit from the industrialisation of these lasers. Based on this
information, a concept design will be delivered for a 2 µm laser processing system which would be able to address
particular industrial applications. If proven feasible and attractive for our industry partners, the project will continue to
develop a modern 2 µm solid-state laser that will take on board the recommendations made in the UK Roadmap-2014
for Laser-based Manufacturing Applications, namely a significant reduction in ownership cost for industrial laser
systems.
The post combines innovative photonics research and working contact with Photonics industry partners. The RA will
be also expected to contribute to outreach activities of the Centre, and work closely with postgraduate research
students.
The ideal post holder will have a PhD / EngD in a relevant Photonics, Physics or Engineering topic, and have a specific
interest in industry-focussed research. There is a preference for a candidate with experience and insight into 2 µm
lasers, industrialisation of laser technology and laser processing applications. Experience in the fibre / solid-state laser
design and development, as well as diode laser pumping systems is ideal. A flair for good opto-mechanical design
would be a great advantage.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The post-holder will be supervised on a day to day basis at Heriot-Watt by Prof M J Daniel Esser with additional input
and supervision by Prof Derryck Reid, as well as other Heriot-Watt research staff associated with the EPSRC Centre.
The post holder will be part of the project team that aims to research, develop and demonstrate new mid-infrared
laser systems. The research outcomes will enable the development of commercially competitive, industry-focussed,
UK-based, mid-infrared laser system technology by utilising a number of key innovative concepts and emerging
technologies. The project will be executed with financial and technical support from the Centre’s key industrial
partners.
In addition, it is expected that the post holder will contribute to the Centre’s outreach activities, support postgraduate
research students, as well as provide technical contributions to presentations and publications following from the
research. The RA will report on the research results to industry partners and the Centre’s Management Group.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant
duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role
develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Contractual Information
Job Title: Research Associate
Grade/Salary Range: Grade 7: £30 434 - £37 394
dependent on qualifications and experience
School: EPS
Pension Scheme: USS
Reporting to: Prof M J Daniel Esser
Duration of Post: 2 years initially
Working Hours: As required to fulfil duties
Annual leave: 33 days per annum plus Building Closed
Days
Sickness benefits: up to 6 months full pay 6 months half
pay
Disclosure Scotland Requirement: N/A
Start Date: 1 April 2015, or as soon as possible
Person Specification
This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to
undertake the full remit of the role.
Attributes
Essential
Education &
Qualifications
Possess a Doctorate in Physics
or Engineering.
Experience
The candidate must have a
thorough grounding in:
1) laser device physics and
engineering,
2) experimental optics,
3) industry-focussed research.
Competencies,
Skills&
Knowledge
Competent in lab practice,
optics handling, laser
alignment.
Competent in specialist
literature search & review.
Good communication skills,
both written and verbal.
Ability to work closely with
colleagues from other
disciplines and industry
partners.
Ability to formulate and
progress work on their own
initiative.
Desirable
Previous experience with one
or more of the following
would be highly desirable…
1. 2 µm laser development.
2. Fibre and/or solid-state
laser device development.
3. Diode laser pumping
systems.
4. Laser-materials
interaction.
5. Opto-mechanical design.
6. Industrial applications of
lasers.
7. Interdisciplinary research.
8. research-student
supervision.
Effective project
management.
Effective administration of
development projects
(suppliers, procurement,
inventory)
Means of Assessment
References/certificates/
publications and
interview for short-listed
applicants
Application documents
and track record. For
shortlisted applicants,
references and interview
Application documents.
For shortlisted
applicants, references
and interview
Organised, practical.
Competent in producing
detailed technical reports.
Competent in Laser design
software, Matlab, Labview.
Programming skills,
computer-instrument
interfacing.
Knowledge of optics, lasers,
industry applications.
Other
Good research team member
Availability for early start
Application documents.
Attributes
/Abilities
For shortlisted
candidates interview.
Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the
role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will
normally be eliminated at the short listing stage.
Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When short listing, these
criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.
Other Relevant Information
Informal approaches are encouraged and may be made to Prof M J Daniel Esser (M.J.D.Esser@hw.ac.uk).
Further information on the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes
http://www.cim-laser.ac.uk/
Further information of research currently underway in IPaQS can be found at
http://www.eps.hw.ac.uk/institutes/photonics-quantum-sciences.htm
Further information on the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences can be found at
http://www.eps.hw.ac.uk/index.htm
Further information on Heriot-Watt University’s REF 2014 results can be found at
http://www.hw.ac.uk/news/heriot-watt-demonstrates-significant-20137.htm
Application Process
The project is available immediately and we expect to make appointments starting any mutually-convenient times. All
RA positions on this research programme will initially be of 1-2 year duration. Dependent on the results of the project
and subsequent successful project proposals for the Centre, the post may be extended for a further 2 years.
Applications should be completed on our application form, available here http://www.hw.ac.uk/hr/htm/vacancies/HRStandard-Appl-form-2009.doc or if you are unable to access this please call 0131-451-3022 for a paper application
form.
Forms should be returned to Human Resources by 30 March 2015. The university reserves the right to make an
appointment prior to this date if a suitable candidate is identified. Several posts will be available within the EPSRC
Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes, and applicants are encouraged to identify
other vacancies for which they would wish to be considered. Applications can be submitted by email to hr@hw.ac.uk
or by post to Human Resources, Lord Balerno Building, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS.
For all applications and correspondence about your application, please quote ref 332/13
The University is committed to equality of opportunity.
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With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and
practical, leading-edge research, which has made us one of the top UK universities for business and industry.
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