Responsibilities
* To quickly assume responsibility for the project and take a leading role in driving it forward
* To develop novel monitoring technology for sub‑sea telecommunications networks using photonic technologies to maintain cable integrity and detect potential damage or intrusion.
* To design, fabricate and optimise optical sensing systems to meet stringent performance requirements.
* Demonstrate advanced technical expertise (in optical device manufacture, sensing and fast electronic signal processing), good project management and good communication skills to interact between academia, internal and external business personnel including suppliers. This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. The successful candidate is therefore expected to apply for a visa as necessary in line with their contract duration.
See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent. It is an Innovate UK requirement that candidates hold a visa or immigration permission to cover the full duration of the contract. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.
Candidate Profile
* PhD in photonics/optics (or physics with experience in photonics). BSc or MSc in Physics/Electronic Engineering or closely related subject.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills related to photonic/optic‑based systems.
* Laboratory skills, including the use of test and measurement equipment.
* Excellent communication and management skills.
Desirable
* Hands‑on experience in optical system design and testing.
* Experience working with lasers and laser safety.
* Skills in the design and implementation of interferometric fibre sensors.
* Experience in field programmable gate arrays.
* Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team. Strong interpersonal skills to successfully work with various stakeholders.
* Strong communication and presentation skills, and the ability to work within a cross‑disciplinary project team.
* Leadership qualities, maturity, good self‑organisation, and time management skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives.
* Industrial career focused.
* Highly motivated and adaptable.
* Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and use initiative.
* Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways.
Project Overview
This KTP aims to develop novel monitoring technology for sub‑sea telecommunications networks using photonic technologies to maintain cable integrity and detect potential damage or intrusion resulting from accidental or hostile activities, caused by, for example, unmanned vehicles or dragging anchors. The key innovation is developing distributed sensing technology capable of operating across sub‑sea links of over 1,000 km in length.
Funding and Partners
This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Xtera Topco and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp. The Company: Xtera Topco is one of the five top providers of Underwater Telecommunication Systems. You will work in a project team with Prof Kate Sugden and Prof David Webb from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Xtera Topco with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.
Benefits
* Up to £5,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project.
* Annual leave (25 days p/a).
* Professional support and mentorship.
* Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing
#J-18808-Ljbffr