Research and Innovation Associate in Network Testbeds for AI

Aston University

Birmingham, United Kingdom

From GBP 31,236 up to GBP 42,254 per year

Applications are invited for a full-time, Research and Innovation Associate at the Aston institute of Photonic Technologies (AiPT), one of the largest photonics research centres in the UK. We are seeking a Research and Innovation Associate to work on an international research project that has been funded through EPSRC and Research Ireland with Irish and UK academic and industrial partners. This project aims to significantly reduce the energy consumption of data centre (including AI data centres) interconnection networks well into the XFLOP regime, through a combination of optical combs, tuneable lasers, and flexible architectural innovations.

You will join an established and collaborative team within the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, working under the guidance of Professor Andrew Ellis. The role involves carrying out research in purpose-built photonics facilities at Aston University. With the support of network-level simulations, you will contribute to the development of a network demonstration testbed optimised for tuneable laser-based switching. This will include the use of recirculating configurations to emulate large-scale networks exceeding 1,000 nodes. The role will also involve addressing integration challenges to enable appropriately buffered real-world data traces to be transmitted across the network, demonstrating the capabilities of optically routed interconnects.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong track record in at least two of the following areas: the use of fast tuneable lasers in digital signal processing for high-capacity optical communications; the development of recirculating loop-based optical communications testbeds; and the use of optical frequency combs or fast tuneable lasers in high-capacity communication systems. The ability to learn new techniques quickly is highly desirable, and further training will be provided as required.