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.

Education & Qualifications: Essential Criteria  

• A First Class Bachelors of Engineering or Physics.â€

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.â€

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 .â€

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 

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 .