Lead Laser Scientist

My client is looking for a Lead Laser Scientist to provide hands-on technical leadership in the development of next-generation femtosecond and picosecond laser systems. This is an onsite role based in Oxford.

You will lead system design from concept through build, testing and productisation, offering significant technical ownership, with the opportunity to influence system architecture, performance and development strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of advanced short pulse laser systems from concept through to deployment
• Develop and optimise CPA architectures, including mode-locked oscillators, solid-state/OPA amplifiers, pulse shaping, stretchers and compressors
• Model broadband pulse amplification approaches to support system development
• Own technical design decisions and trade-offs across performance, reliability, cost and manufacturability
• Support hands-on build, testing, troubleshooting and validation
• Mentor and provide technical leadership

Requirementss:

• PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Photonics or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Strong background in short pulse lasers, ultrafast and nonlinear optics
• Hands-on experience with short pulse laser diagnostics and characterisation
• Expertise in broadband amplification, including CPA and/or OPCPA
• Strong experimental experience designing, building and testing complex optical systems
• Proven experience leading technically demanding research or product development projects
• Good understanding of laser safety and laboratory best practice

Desirable

• High-power/high-energy ultrafast laser experience
• Experience designing stretchers and compressors
• Experience with system integration, control systems or Zemax
• Experience translating system requirements into specifications and working with suppliers
• Experience in precision laser laboratories or cleanrooms

Package & Location

• Competitive salary, depending on experience
• Employee share options
• Flexible working where compatible with lab activities