Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Intelligent Optical Networks
Develop programmable, resilient optical networks for future AI and cloud systems at the University of Bristol.
Best for:Best for researchers with a PhD in telecommunications, networking, or computer science and practical experience in optical communication systems or testbeds.
Overview
The University of Bristol's Smart Internet Lab is seeking a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join the HASC Phase 2 project, the EPSRC Hub for All-Spectrum Connectivity. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary environment to develop programmable optical networks, intelligent automation algorithms, and rapid failure recovery solutions using advanced infrastructures like hollow-core fibre. Responsibilities include designing architectures for metro and data centre connectivity, prototyping hardware and software solutions through rigorous testing, and publishing research outcomes. Applicants are expected to collaborate with academic and industrial partners, contribute to research proposals, and help mentor early-career researchers at the senior level.
What you'll do
- Design and develop architectures for metro, access, and data centre connectivity.
- Create automation, orchestration, and resource-control algorithms for optical networks.
- Investigate fault detection, rapid reconfiguration, and network recovery mechanisms.
- Prototype and validate hardware and software solutions through laboratory and testbed experiments.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed venues and present at academic or industry conferences.
- Contribute to partner collaborations, research proposals, technical standards, and patent applications.
- Take significant research initiative, support early-career researchers, and coordinate collaborative activities at the senior level.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD, near completion, or equivalent research experience in optical communications, telecommunications, networking, electronic engineering, computer science, or a related discipline
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: Evidence of research achievement through publications or relevant research and development experience is essential.
- Knowledge of optical network architectures
- Experience in network control, automation, orchestration, or resilience
- Practical experience with optical communication systems or network testbeds
- Proficiency in programming for network solutions
- Demonstrated research achievement through publications or relevant R&D experience
- Clear communication, teamwork, and willingness to learn
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-16 (Europe/London)
Candidates must submit their application through the official University of Bristol recruitment portal before the specified closing date. Ensure all required documentation is prepared and uploaded according to the job listing instructions.
- CV
Contact
Shuangyi Yan· Associate Professor in Optical Communications and Networks
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