Vacancies
PhD studentships and post-doctoral opportunities
High-capacity and adaptive optical fibre networks
Prospective candidates are invited to apply for fully funded studentships available for 2024/25, in the Optical Networks Group, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at University College London (UCL).
Why this research is important: Optical communications systems and networks underpin the global communications infrastructure and the Internet, and are increasingly being used inside data centres. We look at understanding what is needed to support the increasing broadband data demands of a modern, global society. Through the study of future optical fibre network architectures and transmission physics our research will enable new applications, essential to our digital lives of today.
Who you will be working with: You will be based in the Optical Networks Group led by Professor Polina Bayvel and your work will be integrated in the ongoing research programmes. These aim to maximise optical fibre network capacity, though a combination of new research in nonlinear physics, information theory, space division multiplexing, machine learning and digital signal processing. The ONG collaborates closely with leading industry and research groups around the world with many coming to use our state-of-the art optical fibre transmission and network test-bed. We have a long track record of training very successful PhD graduate who have gone on to win multiple prizes and awards and are currently working in industry and academia world-wide.
What you will be doing: You will be looking into how to transform optical networks to be adaptive and intelligent and to provide further capacity scaling. This requires the understanding of all linear and nonlinear phenomena related to the propagation of multiwavelength optical signals in various media, including different types of fibres and free-space. We investigate maximising optical fibre network capacity, using new wavelength bands and fibres, and research in nonlinear optics, information theory, space division multiplexing, machine learning and digital signal processing.
Who we are looking for: We are currently looking for academically outstanding applicants, in high-speed, ultrawideband and space multiplexing optical fibre transmission systems, including fibre nonlinearities and their mitigation.
Funding:
All studentships are fully funded by UCL EPSRC DTP (Doctoral Training Partnership) for 4 years. They provide:
- 4 years fees (Home rate) (International students will receive a UCL award to cover the home/international fee difference)
- Maintenance stipend at the UCL EPSRC DTP enhanced rate (ie £1,000 above the UKRI London-weighted rate; this was £21,622 in 2023/24, and rises each year)
- Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £4,800. This is to cover additional costs of training eg courses, project costs, conferences, travel
Students will be registered for 4 years and are expected to submit their thesis within the 4 year funded period. The project should be designed and supervised to facilitate this.
For part time students, the stipend and duration will be adjusted pro-rata (e.g. a 50% FTE student will receive 50% of stipend for up to 8 years).
How to Apply:
Prospective students will need to apply directly on this page quoting the project ID 2228cd1301. This page also contains further information on student eligibility, application process, and much more.
Successful candidates will also need to complete an application via the UCL admissions portal.
To make any informal inquiries, please send a CV, including a list of any publications, with the contact details of at least two referees to