Calum Williams

A fully-funded PhD position is available at the University of Exeter in the field of optical metamaterials, focusing on the ultrafast control of laser pulses using 3D-printed micro- and nanoscale structures. The project, supervised by Calum Williams and Maciej Dabrowski, will involve developing advanced metamaterials to manipulate light on femtosecond timescales. Research activities include nanofabrication using two-photon polymerisation lithography, electromagnetic simulation, and pump–probe laser measurements. The aim is to explore how 3D geometry and different material platforms can enable new capabilities in light manipulation for applications in spectroscopy, sensing, and telecommunications. The position is open to UK students only and seeks candidates with a strong background in physics, optical engineering, or nanotechnology, and a passion for experimental science. Funding is fully provided, covering tuition and a stipend. The application deadline is 14th October 2025, with a start date in January 2026. Interested applicants should apply via the University of Exeter portal and may contact Calum Williams for informal enquiries.

A fully funded PhD position is available at the University of Exeter in the field of optical metamaterials, focusing on the use of micro- and nanoscale 3D printing. The project, supervised by Calum Williams and Maciej Dabrowski, aims to develop 3D-printed optical metamaterials for controlling ultrafast laser pulses on femtosecond timescales. Research will combine nanofabrication (two-photon polymerisation lithography), electromagnetic simulation, and pump–probe laser measurements to explore how 3D geometry and different materials platforms enable advanced light manipulation for next-generation applications in spectroscopy, sensing, and telecommunications. Applicants should have a strong background in physics, optical engineering, or nanotechnology, and a passion for experimental science. The position is fully funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend. The application deadline is October 14, 2025, with a start date in January 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the provided link and may contact Calum Williams for further information.

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.