Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate in Spatiotemporal Metamaterials and Structured Light
Join Imperial College London’s MSCA Doctoral Network SPARK to advance photonic technologies through cutting-edge research in spatiotemporal metamaterials.
Best for:Best for physics graduates with experimental research experience in nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, or metamaterials, seeking a fully funded PhD in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Overview
This doctoral position is part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network SPARK, focused on spatiotemporal metamaterials and structured light fields. Based at Imperial College London’s Department of Physics, the role involves experimental research under Professor Riccardo Sapienza, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and secondments within the network. Applicants will contribute to developing new photonic technologies while receiving multidisciplinary training leading to a PhD in Physics. The programme emphasizes teamwork, industry-academia partnerships, and innovative approaches to light manipulation.
What you'll do
- Conduct experimental research on spatiotemporal metamaterials and structured light fields under Professor Riccardo Sapienza’s supervision.
- Develop and implement innovative photonic technologies through hands-on laboratory work and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Participate in secondments at partner institutions (academia and industry) to broaden research exposure and networking opportunities.
- Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and internal network meetings.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary training programmes within the SPARK network, including engagement with industry partners.
- Collaborate closely with a cohort of 15 doctoral candidates across European universities to advance the field of structured light.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Physics or an equivalent qualification in a relevant experimental field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; no specific proficiency test required but must be fluent for academic collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven experience in conducting experimental research projects (e.g., Masters-level research)
- Strong background in nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, or metamaterials
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Ability to develop novel concepts and contribute to cutting-edge research
- Familiarity with laboratory techniques relevant to optical experiments
- Must not have resided or worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the fellowship start
- Must not have been awarded a doctoral degree prior to recruitment
- Open to applicants from any nationality (EU/non-EU) as per MSCA eligibility rules
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15 (Europe/Dublin)
Applicants must submit a full CV and a two-page research statement via Imperial College London’s job portal. The statement should outline relevant research interests, explain why the candidate’s expertise aligns with the project, and specify which of the two projects (DC4 or DC9) they wish to be considered for. Applications are processed through the official job application link provided.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two-page research statement (indicating project preference and relevance of expertise)
Contact
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