Research Associate in Single-Photon Detection and Sensor Fusion
- Edinburgh Midlothian
- £37,694-47,389 per year
- Contract
- Full-time
- Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
- Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
- Assist the development of student research skills, and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge (particularly PhD students) in the context of teaching and supervision duties. Could be expected to contribute to specialist courses such as research methods and equipment.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media. Continue to update personal knowledge and to develop skills within own specialist research area. Maintain written records of research results and progress generated intellectual property and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
- Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
- Provide guidance as required to support staff, research students and any other students who may be assisting with the research.
- Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
- We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher willing to work as part of a team.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in semiconductor optoelectronics or closely related field.
- Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.
- General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.
- The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students.
- Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators.
- The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators.
- Possess and maintain sufficient breadth or depth of specialist discipline knowledge in imaging and or research methods and techniques to work in the area of imaging using single-photon techniques.
- Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a relevant area of electrical engineering. (Applicants should have submitted their PhD thesis first draft by the start date.)
- Strong theoretical understanding and thorough grounding in experimental techniques relevant to the project.
- Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports/papers and by oral presentation.
- Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt University and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities and industrial partners.
- Experience with single-photon avalanche diode detector arrays
- Working knowledge of free-space optics, optical instrumentation, and practical optical design.
- Experience of programming for data acquisition (e.g. MATLAB, Phyton, C/C++), analysis of data, and interfacing with multiple parts of equipment.
- Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.
- Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.
- Hands-on experimental work experience.
- Energy and enthusiasm for the project.
- Experience with imaging systems
- Experience in stereo vision and photogrammetry
- Experience in industry or collaborating with industry.
- Experience of research-student supervision.
- Experience with CAD software.