Senior Research Assistant in Optoelectronics


Company:	University of South Wales
Salary:	£34,610 - £39,906
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Jul 2026
Closing date:	20 Aug 2026

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Summary

Based at Pontypridd Campus, the University of South Wales (USW) is an innovative institution with a strong focus on applied research in engineering and physical sciences. The Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Science, particularly the Optoelectronics research group, leads cutting-edge development of optical sensing technologies with real-world applications in agriculture and industry. More information about the Faculty can be found at https://www.southwales.ac.uk/faculties/engineering-computing-science/.

We are seeking to appoint a Senior Researcher to contribute to the development and calibration of a portable Raman spectroscopy device for non-invasive durian quality assessment. The role focuses on integrating the laser module, narrow-band optical filters, and detectors to accurately detect key spectral markers, critical to the project’s success. The postholder will be involved in system optimisation, field-readiness testing, and ensuring data compatibility with AI models developed by project partners at University Kebangsaan Malaysia.

The ideal candidate will have experience in optical or laser engineering, instrumentation development, and experimental testing. They should demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a novel, low-cost, field-deployable sensing technology with significant impact on agricultural supply chains and sustainability.

This is a fixed-term, part-time role at 0.5 FTE for a period of 8 months.

For an informal conversation about this post please contact Dr Kang Li, kang.li@southwales.ac.uk

Candidates whose first professional services role at the University will be in this role, (or you are currently employed by PSS Ltd), will be employed by Professional and Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of South Wales, which provides services to the University and Colleges.

Discover the advantages of working with us at USW: https://tinyurl.com/PSSatUSW

USW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All those working at the University are expected to share this commitment.

We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. Where colleagues can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially with regards to age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and religion and/or belief. We benchmark our success through equality accreditations with Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Stonewall and Disability Confident.

If you’re a Welsh learner or a Welsh speaker, we’d be delighted to receive your application. At USW, you’ll have access to Welsh courses to enable you to develop your Welsh skills further, in order to provide a bilingual service to our students, colleagues and the public.

We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those made in English.

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