Research Assistant in Ultrashort Pulse Laser Welding of Glass presso Heriot-Watt University

Role: Research Assistant in Ultrashort Pulse Laser Welding of Glass 

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences  

Grade: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (3 Months)  

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff. 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  

Detailed Description 

The Research Assistant will work on developing and demonstrating ultra-short pulse laser processing of glass, specifically fused silica with the potential for other high performance glasses.  

This is part of an impact accelerator project with a UK based industrial partner. The aim of the project is to: investigate ultra-short pulse laser processing using modified Bessel-beams and selective etching, determine suitable laser parameters for the desired glass manufacturing process, and to produce a prototype device for the industrial partner.  

The project is in close collaboration with our industrial partner as well as a PDRA who will be working on the same project as well as a team of academic supervisors.   

The successful candidate will be required to rapidly embrace the body of knowledge vested in the research teams and will grasp the technical challenges of developing and demonstrating precision laser-based processing. 

Research Environment 

They will work directly with Dr. Richard Carter (project co-lead), Dr Calum Ross (project co-lead), Prof M J Daniel Esser, Prof Duncan Hand, and Dr Adrian Dzipalski. The majority of the work will be carried out within the Precision Laser Application Labs at the National Robotarium although some work may also take place in the Photonic Instrumentation Group or the Laser Device Physics and Engineering Group. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• We are looking for creative and highly motivated researchers willing to work as part of a team. Good communication skills and an appropriate publication record are essential.  

• General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; presentation of research at partnership workshops and meetings. 

• The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design and procedure as part in a collaborative decision-making process, while taking responsibility for implementing experiments, and data analysis.  

• Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with external collaborators; assisting in the development of student research skills.  

Is there room to grow? We encourage our researchers to find and follow their passion. We offer fantastic opportunities for learning, development and professional growth. This project will provide hands-on insight into, and potentially lead to, career opportunities at Leonardo. This is a chance of reinventing and developing your technical skillset during this exciting, challenging project. Learning on the job isn't just a benefit – it's a must.  

This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working.  

Education, Qualifications and Experience  

Education & Qualifications: Essential Criteria  

• A First Class Bachelors of Engineering or Physics.  

Skills & Experience: Essential Criteria  

• Experience with relevant laser-based materials processing. 

• Demonstrating strong experimental skills.  

• Experience in contributing to the writing of scientific papers. 

• Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal and commercially sensitive information. 

• Energy and enthusiasm for the project. 

Education & Qualifications: Desirable Criteria  

• An Engineering Doctorate or PhD covering several of these areas:   

• Laser-based materials processing with high power / ultra-short-pulse lasers.  

• Optical or Laser system design and development.  

• System engineering principles and processes.  

• Training in Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Modelling.  

Skills & Experience: Desirable Criteria  

• Previous experience working in a laser applications research environment.  

• Demonstrating skills & experience in topics relevant to the project, including several of the following:   

• Ultra-fast-laser-welding of optical laser components to structural components (ps- and fs-pulsed lasers)  

• Test methods of evaluating optical and mechanical parts subjected to thermal and environmental test conditions.  

• Laser system set-up and maintenance for laser-based materials processing.  

Demonstration of / proof of ability to;  

• Lead authorship of experimental development reports / publications.  

• Lead a project and maintain focus on the project aims.   

• Implementation of rigorous engineering processes / scientific method.  

• Exploit innovative technology concepts and emerging manufacturing technologies;  

• Skills of working with manufacturers and suppliers.  

• Skills of collaborating with senior and junior research team members.   

• Establish a close working relationship with the main points of contact in the company.  

• Leading the writing of scientific papers.  

Nationality, Residency & Place of Work  

This is a campus-based role that is not suitable for remote working: Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt in Edinburgh, and take part in face-to-face meetings & workshops with the collaborators of the project.  

This appointment is in partnership with Leonardo and will require being able to demonstrate eligibility for UK Security Clearance. For applicants outside the UK: you may require an ATAS certificate to do research in the UK. CAH3 code: CAH07-04-01 or CAH10-01-01.  

About our Team  

Heriot-Watt University is leading the development of high-power lasers, with potential applications in industrial material processing and defence. Also, Heriot-Watt is pioneering the development of laser-based manufacturing processes and applications and successfully transferring these to a wide range of industrial sectors. 

The High Power Laser Applications (HPLA) group under the lead of Prof Hand and Dr Carter is part of the dynamic, multi-national Applied Optics and Photonics Group (AOP: http://www.aop.hw.ac.uk/) at Heriot-Watt University. The HPLA group uses a wide range of laser sources (from CW through to ultra-short pulsed lasers) to address research challenges in laser-based manufacturing.  

The Laser Device Physics & Engineering group under the lead of Prof Esser drives the research and development of new laser sources in the near-infrared and mid-IR, demonstrating and exploiting new high-brightness diode laser technologies, novel solid-state laser crystals, and new manufacturing and assembly methods applied to laser system design and assembly.   

Leonardo is the UK’s largest manufacturer of the sensors and electronic systems which sit under the skin of the world’s most advanced aircraft, effectively acting as their brains, senses and nervous systems. Protecting pilots, alerting air crews to threats and providing unrivalled situational awareness, our world-class engineering and technology informs decision-making and helps ensure that those in harm’s way come home safely. The Edinburgh site is home to Leonardo’s world-leading laser capability, with their engineers meeting around 80% of the global demand for high-energy military lasers.  

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