Metamaterial platforms for optical computing and edge AI applications

Supervisor

Prof Andrea Di Falco (adf10@st-andrews.ac.uk)

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD project focused on developing a next-generation integrated material platform that brings together silicon photonics and transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) to enable compact, efficient, and high-performance optical processing. This project offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of materials science, nanofabrication, and photonic device engineering.

The successful candidate will explore both chip-level design—including advanced optical architectures for modulation, switching, and signal transformation—and the optimisation of the underlying material platform, with particular emphasis on engineering TCO properties for enhanced optical and electro-optical functionality. The work will span simulation, device design, cleanroom fabrication, and optical/electrical characterisation, providing a comprehensive training environment for a future career in photonics and advanced materials.

The student will be embedded within the 3D Meta Hub, the UK’s largest and most ambitious research initiative in metamaterials. This offers exceptional opportunities to collaborate with leading academic groups, engage with industrial partners, and contribute to high-impact research shaping the next generation of photonic technologies.

We welcome applicants with a strong background in physics, photonics, metamaterials, materials science, or a related discipline. Experience in nanofabrication, or materials characterisation is desirable but not essential.

Apply for this PhD

Successful applicants will normally hold a first degree with Honours at 2.1 (UK) or the overseas equivalent in physics, astronomy or a related subject.

Your application must include a 1-2 page CV and 1 page personal statement. A template (Word) is available that provides guidance on what the personal statement should include. Referees will be contacted directly by the University. Your application will not be considered until 2 references have been received, so please let your referees know the relevant deadline.

You must apply through the online application portal which can be accessed from here. When making your application you can copy the project description from the available projects list into your application form and indicate the appropriate supervisor from the list.

Applications are particularly welcome from those with a willingness to commit to the School and University’s aspirations towards equality, diversity and inclusivity. The School has Juno Champion status, which recognises physics departments who take action to embed better working practices for all staff and to address the under-representation of women in UK and Irish universities. For more information please see the School’s equality and diversity website and the University’s equality and diversity website.

We review applications to ensure those we admit are able to complete a research degree undertaking work on a topic at the forefront of modern research. In allocating studentships, our aim is to recruit those who show the most promise to benefit from our PhD programme, and to contribute to the life of our School. We recognise and value that these contributions may be of many forms, including working on important scientific problems, undertaking high impact public engagement and outreach, working with the School and University to improve the lived experience of under-represented groups, and identifying and developing novel applications of research.

If you have questions about applying to carry out postgraduate research in the School of Physics and Astronomy please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Secretary (email: physpg@st-andrews.ac.uk, phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3100).