PhD positions

We welcome expressions of interest from prospective PhD students in the areas of nanophotonics, metamaterials and nanomaterials, nonlinear optics, chirality, plasmonics, Raman scattering, and quantum optics. Applicants intending to apply for self-funded scholarships (such as the China Scholarship Council) are also encouraged to get in touch. PhD opportunities arise on a regular basis in our laboratory, typically beginning at the end of September or start of October each year. If you are interested in joining our team, please explore our recent publications to gain insight into the scope of our research. We recommend contacting Prof Valev as early as possible with a CV and brief statement of interest. PhD positions are usually advertised on FindAPhD.com. You can also find a list of current and recent PhD projects below.

PhD Project: Nonlinear Nanophotonics and Unexplored Light–Matter Interactions

Deadline: Applications accepted all year round
Start date: October (flexible)
Supervisor: Prof Ventsislav Valev, Department of Physics, University of Bath

About the Project:

The University of Bath invites applications for a self-funded PhD project under the supervision of Professor Ventsislav Valev. This project will investigate novel light–matter interactions using nonlinear nanophotonics. PhD opportunities arise regularly in our laboratory, and applicants with independent funding sources (e.g. the China Scholarship Council) are encouraged to apply.

This project offers an opportunity to join an internationally recognised research team exploring previously uncharted regimes of light–matter interaction. The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative group investigating the nonlinear optical behaviour of nanostructured materials when illuminated by structured light fields. Our research is discovery-driven, grounded in experimental physics, and aims to uncover new physical effects with long-term potential for technological application.

The student will use ultrafast laser systems to generate intense and highly structured optical fields. These may include beams carrying orbital angular momentum, circular polarisation (spin), or custom electric and magnetic field distributions. The objective is to understand how such fields interact with nanoscale structured materials during extreme and rare optical events. Through a combination of experimental work and theoretical insight, the student will seek evidence of previously unknown light–matter coupling mechanisms.

Prior experience in nonlinear optics or nanophotonics is not required. However, the project is well suited to candidates with a strong background in experimental physics, optics, or photonics, who are motivated to engage in hands-on laboratory research and rigorous physical understanding. The project will involve designing and building optical experiments, conducting measurements with ultrafast lasers, and analysing results with precision.

Research Environment and Group Culture

The successful candidate will join a supportive and well-organised research team that values scientific rigour, technical expertise, and professional growth. Our group operates according to a defined set of principles that guide our day-to-day practice and long-term development. These include a strong emphasis on understanding optical, electrical, and mechanical components in depth; maintaining safe and efficient laboratory environments; and designing reproducible, well-documented experiments.

We foster both collaboration and independence. Students are expected to take ownership of their experimental and scientific decisions, while contributing to a team environment through regular meetings, shared responsibility, and clear communication. Training in writing, presenting, and data management is part of our group culture. More information about our team values can be found here.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related subject. A master’s-level qualification would be advantageous.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and motivation to develop as an independent experimental scientist. There will be opportunities to attend national and international scientific conferences, and training schools. An interest in public engagement, digital art, or robotics would be an asset, as the group is involved in a variety of outreach and creative science communication activities.

Non-UK applicants must meet the University of Bath’s English language entry requirement.

How to Apply

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Prof Ventsislav Valev (v.k.valev@bath.ac.uk). Please include a CV, academic transcript, and a short statement outlining your motivation and relevant experience.

Formal applications should be submitted through the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics.. More information about the application process is available on the University website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and are committed to being an inclusive university, where differences are respected and celebrated. We strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you have experienced personal or educational circumstances that may have affected your attainment, we welcome a short explanation at the end of your personal statement.

Funding Notes

This position is open to self-funded applicants only. Guidance on funding opportunities, including those from the China Scholarship Council and other international schemes, is available from the University.

Keywords

Photonics, plasmonics, nanophotonics, optics, chirality, nonlinear optics, quantum optics, nanoscience, nanotechnology, ultrafast lasers, spectroscopy, orbital angular momentum, Raman scattering.

References:
[1] Discovery of the Hyper-Raylight Optical Actity effect.
[2] Discovery of the Hyper-Raman Optical Activity efffect.
[3] Discovery of the Hyper-Mie Optical Activity effect.

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