About us
The optical networked systems team, part of the Optical Networks Group at UCL, wishes to appoint a Research Assistant to work on a UK and EU funded research project that explores and develops optical networked system technologies for Cloud Data Centers and High Performance Computing systems.
The scope of this project is to develop an ultra-fast optical circuit-switched network that includes FPGA-based network interfaces, optical switches, tunable lasers, and other opto-electronic components. The FPGA should perform parsing, processing, switching, and forwarding data at high bit-rates (>25 Gb/s/lane) to/from high-speed custom transceivers, offer closed-loop control to opto-electronic devices, implement control plane protocols, and support low-complexity burst-mode clock and data recovery. The free-space switches should implement transparent switching operations, minimizing losses and reconfiguration time.
About the role
The postholder will lead the design and implementation of IP cores in Xilinx FPGAs as well as optical switching devices to realize a range of network interface card functions needed to support future optical time-division multiplexed optical networks. They will create parameterized, modular, high-frequency logic blocks in SystemVerilog, HLS, or other hardware description or higher-level languages suitable for FPGA programming. They will simulate using extensive testbenches, implement, test, and validate across stressing conditions to assess overall performance. They will also use metaheuristics and machine learning to calibrate and optimize the behavior of individual devices and the system as a whole.
The role is available until 31st July 2026 in the first instance. Further funding to support the post may be available.
The salary scale available is Grade 6B, points 25-28 (£39,148 to £41,833 per annum, including London Allowance of £5,197 pa).
About you
The successful applicant should have a first or upper second-class undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject area. Knowledge of FPGA programming, ASIC design and fabrication, as well as switching architectures for network interconnection, are essential. Applicants should have knowledge and experience of optical systems, including hands-on experimental research work. Strong programming skills in SystemVerilog, similar RTL languages, and/or HLS C/C++, with implementation on latest Xilinx FPGAs supporting networking functions, are required. Experience with FPGA implementation of protocols like Ethernet, Aurora, PCI-e supporting data rates of 10/25/50/100 Gb/s is desirable.
Application details
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to learn more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we recognize that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, fairness, and inclusivity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and ethnic minority groups; disabled people; LGBTQI+ individuals; and women for Grade 9 and 10 roles. Learn more at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award for gender equality.
Available documents
What we offer
* 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
* Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
* Immigration loan
* Relocation scheme for certain posts
* On-site nursery
* On-site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
* Employee assistance program: Staff Support Service
* Discounted medical insurance
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