PhD vacancies in Nanophotonics (University of Otago)

The Department of Physics at the University of Otago has vacancies for 2-3 PhD students in nanophotonics. The students will join in the Subwavelength Optics Group to work on one of the following research projects:

1. “Highly Efficient Nanophotonic Solar-Hydrogen Systems”, MBIE Smart Ideas funding, led by Prof. Richard Blaikie and Dr. Boyang Ding
2. “SPASER – Towards Practical Nanolaser Devices”, Marsden Fast-start project, supervised by Dr. Boyang Ding.

Application deadline: 6th Jan. 2019
PhD stipend: ~25,000 NZ$ annual

Please consult Prof. Richard Blaikie (richard.blaikie@otago.ac.nz) or Dr. Boyang Ding (boyang.ding@otago.ac.nz) ) for more information or send your CV together with a cover letter (1 page) to apply for the positions. Please also indicate which project you want to work on.

Job description

During the 3-year study, the PhD students will study the enhancement of light-matter interaction using nanophotonic resonators and develop relevant applications in photocatalysis (project 1) or lasing devices at the nanoscale (project 2). Specifically, they will:

1. Use numerical or analytical software, such as Comsol, Lumerical FDTD or Matlab, to design the nanophotonic structures integrated with semiconductors or rare-earth ions;
2. Utilize various nanofabrication techniques, including self-assembly, optical nanolithography, and electron beam lithography, to build these nano-optical devices;
3. Develop suitable optical (project 1&2) or photoelectrochemical (project 1) methods to characterise the devices’ performance;
4. Understand the physical nature of the experiments and publish research outcomes on a regular basis in journals and at leading conferences

Key requirements

1. Completion of a bachelor or master degree in one of the following disciplines: Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Science;
2. An outstanding research background in relevant areas preferably in nano-optics or nanofabrication;
3. Demonstrated strong organisational skills, experience in using initiative, working with minimal supervision and the ability to prioritise tasks to achieve project objectives within timelines;
4. Excellent interpersonal, and both written and verbal communication skills in English, demonstrated by presentation of research results at conferences, internal forums and through manuscript submissions;
5. Demonstrated ability to work in teams and to collaborate with others;
6. Other requirements subject to the University of Otago’s PhD admission standards, see www.otago.ac.nz/graduate-research/study/otago017999.html

Desirables

1. A track record and demonstrated aptitude for quality research, as evidenced by research publications in leading journals and conferences commensurate with opportunity;
2. Experience in building up optical characterisation set-ups, e.g. a microscope for scattering/fluorescence measurement on nanostructures.