Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Intelligent Optical Network Architecture

Overview

The University of Bristol is offering a position as a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in Intelligent Optical Network Architecture within the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering. Based in the United Kingdom, the successful candidate will join the Smart Internet Lab to work on HASC Phase 2, which is the EPSRC Hub for All-Spectrum Connectivity. Collaborating with both academic and industrial partners, the role focuses on developing programmable optical networks, intelligent automation, rapid failure recovery, and novel network solutions using hollow-core fibre.

What you get

The position offers a salary ranging from £40,704 to £51,258 per annum depending on experience, corresponding to Grade I or J on Pathway 2. The contract is full-time and permanent, functioning as open-ended with fixed funding until March 31, 2030, subject to funding and a mid-term review scheduled for mid-2028. The work pattern is full-time at 35 hours per week on site.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD, be nearing completion, or possess equivalent research experience in a relevant discipline such as optical communications, telecommunications, networking, electronic engineering, or computer science. Candidates need to bring knowledge of optical network architectures, experience in network control, automation, orchestration, or resilience, and practical experience with optical communication systems or network testbeds. Essential qualifications include programming skills and a record of research achievement demonstrated through publications or relevant research and development experience, alongside clear communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Additional valuable experience includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, software-defined networking, automated recovery, fibre sensing, or telemetry, though expertise across every research theme is not required. Senior Research Associate applicants are expected to take significant research initiative, support early career researchers or students, and help coordinate collaborative activities.

Key dates

The application process closes at 23:59 UK time on Monday, November 16, 2026. Interviews are anticipated to take place starting from November 25, 2026.