Two fully funded PhD positions are available at the University of Exeter, focusing on the development of next-generation photonic sensing technology. The projects are ideal for students with backgrounds in Physics, Engineering, or Natural Sciences who are passionate about multidisciplinary experimental science, nanofabrication, photonics (especially electromagnetism), imaging, sensing, and the development of novel instrumentation. The research aims to create meaningful technologies with societal impact. PhD Project 1: Miniaturised mid-infrared sensing of environmental exposures using 3D-printed photonic metamaterials. This project will explore advanced materials and fabrication techniques to enable sensitive environmental monitoring. PhD Project 2: Pushing the frontier of ultrasensitive on-chip sensing with advanced metamaterials for Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) sensing. The focus is on developing new metamaterial structures for highly sensitive detection applications. Supervision will be provided by Dr. Calum Williams (University of Exeter), Adam Polak (Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics UK), Prof. Geoff Nash (Exeter), and Prof. Isaac Luxmoore (Exeter). The projects are supported by EPSRC DLA funding, which covers tuition and provides a stipend. The start date is September 2026, and the application deadline is January 12, 2026. For more information and application instructions, visit the University of Exeter's official page or contact Dr. Calum Williams. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to work at the intersection of photonics, materials science, and engineering, contributing to innovative sensing technologies.

The University of Exeter is offering two fully funded PhD studentships in the field of optical metamaterials, as part of the EPSRC DLA scheme. These positions are based at the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation (CMRI) and focus on cutting-edge research in photonic metamaterials and advanced sensing technologies. Project 1 involves miniaturised mid-infrared sensing of environmental exposures using 3D-printed photonic metamaterials, while Project 2 aims to push the frontier of ultrasensitive on-chip sensing through advanced metamaterials for Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) sensing. The projects are supervised by Dr. Calum Williams (Lecturer, University of Exeter), Adam Polak (Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics UK), Prof. Geoff Nash (Exeter), and Prof. Isaac Luxmoore (Exeter). The research will provide opportunities to work at the intersection of physics, materials science, and photonics, with applications in environmental monitoring and sensor technology. The studentships are fully funded, covering tuition fees and providing a stipend, and are open to UK and potentially international applicants, subject to eligibility criteria. Applicants should have a strong academic background in physics, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline, and demonstrate interest or experience in photonics, metamaterials, or optical sensing. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers. The application deadline is Monday, 12th January 2026. For further details and application instructions, visit the official studentship page or contact the supervisors directly. These positions offer an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant research community at the University of Exeter, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to innovative research in optical metamaterials and photonic sensing.