PhD Physicist (2026 start)

Cambridge Consultants

INTRODUCTION  We are seeking a Physics summer placement postgraduate student for a full-time placement in our Cambridge office. This role is suitable for those who will have completed 2+ years of a doctorate-level degree by the start of the placement. Applicants should have a passion for innovation and technology and be motivated by the idea of applying your academic skills to solving real-world engineering challenges.  The placement should last 12 weeks. The placement should be completed between May and November 2026. There is flexibility on the start date.  There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.        THE OPPORTUNITY  We take pride in being ahead of the technology curve, working with and developing exciting new technology, tackling real-world challenges for our clients across a range of markets including Defence & Security, Healthcare, Energy and Telecoms/Datacoms. The projects we work on are highly diverse and you will combine your existing skills and knowledge with an appetite to rapidly identify and assimilate whatever new information is necessary to solve the problem at hand. Examples of recent work undertaken for our clients include:   * Development of a novel imaging system based on multi-wavelength holography   * Design, simulation and manufacture of custom ultrasonic measurement system   * Development of a miniaturised magnetic positioning system for a high-volume consumer product   * Teardown and reverse engineering of complex high-power laser instrument for industrial application   * Technical analysis of superconducting power distribution system     WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING  You will work alongside a project team who is delivering one of our ongoing projects for an external customer where you will and solve a variety of challenges which support the development of a novel system. This is likely to include both practical laboratory experimentation as well as and simulation and physical modelling. The focus of this work will be optical physics and/or integrated photonics.  You will have access to our extensive in-house laboratory and prototyping facilities, and work with engineers and scientists from a range of disciplines, including AI/algorithms, mechanical engineering and electronic engineering. You will be supported and guided by members of our Applied Science team.    WHAT YOU CAN BRING  * Strong academic credentials, with a solid foundation in physics evidenced by a good undergraduate degree in physics or a related field  * Experience working in the lab, evidenced by work done in your postgraduate studies  * Experience in developing optical systems; free-space, fibre or, photonic-integrated, evidenced by work done in your postgraduate studies    * A collaborative approach  * The ability to gain UK security clearance  Most importantly, you must be willing to take on new challenges, learn on the job, and grow your capabilities.  Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambridge Consultants

INTRODUCTION We are looking for Physicist Graduates with a passion for innovation and technology to join our Applied Science team. This role is suitable for those who are due to graduate this summer, or have recently graduated.  You will take on complex problems across a range of industries, including Healthcare, Defence, and Energy, by applying your scientific understanding, and your drive and curiosity to learn new things.  You will be motivated by the idea of applying your theoretical knowledge and experimental skill to solving real-world engineering challenges.    WHAT WE CAN OFFER This role will offer a wide variety of technical challenges and opportunities for personal development. We take pride in being ahead of the technology curve, working with and developing exciting new technology. The projects we work on are highly diverse and you will combine your existing skills and knowledge with an appetite to rapidly identify and assimilate whatever new information is necessary to solve the problem at hand. Examples of recent work undertaken for our clients include:  * Development of a novel imaging system based on multi-wavelength holography  * Design, simulation and manufacture of custom ultrasonic measurement system  * Development of a miniaturised magnetic positioning system for a high-volume consumer product  * Teardown and reverse engineering of complex high-power laser instrument for industrial application  * Technical analysis of superconducting power distribution system  We are a nurturing team – you will be supported throughout to develop your career in the direction you want, with mentoring and training provided. Opportunities for development and progression are varied and will be tailored to the interests, experience, and skills of the successful candidate, with scope to develop increased technical, commercial and/or programme expertise and leadership.    WHAT YOU CAN BRING * Strong academic credentials, such as a degree/Master’s/PhD, in physics or a closely related discipline.  * Experience working in the lab, as well as conducting desk based analysis  * Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) * A collaborative approach * The ability to gain UK security clearance.  Additionally, we’re seeking candidates who can demonstrate at least one of the following, whether through university coursework or personal projects: * An interest working on optical and/or photonic systems, with practical experience of either free-space optics, fibre-optic systems, or photonic devices. * Knowledge of quantum technologies (sensing, compute, comms). * Experience driving finite-element simulation tools (e.g. Ansys Maxwell, Ansys Fluent), and/or experience performing custom numerical simulations using generic software tools, like Python or MATLAB. * Practical experience with electronics or radio systems. Most importantly, you must be willing to take on new challenges, learn on the job, and grow your capabilities.   Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check level security clearance ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/united-kingdom-security-vetting-applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria. We welcome applications from recent graduates with industrial experience, final year students and graduates with relevant academic course or research experience.  We are looking for excellence and are as interested in your skills and ability to learn quickly as we are in your experience.        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambridge Consultants

INTRODUCTION We are looking for a Physicist with a passion for innovation and technology to join our Applied Science team. You will be motivated by the idea of applying your theoretical knowledge and experimental skill to create real-world solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent PhD graduate or early career researcher to tackle challenges across a range of industries—including Defence, Healthcare, and Energy—by applying your scientific understanding, and your drive and curiosity to learn new things.   WHAT WE OFFER This role offers a wide variety of technical challenges and opportunities for personal development. It will involve both practical and desk-based work across diverse technical areas, working within multidisciplinary teams. While your work will span diverse areas of optical physics and beyond, a central focus will be on designing and developing photonic integrated circuits, and the next-generation products they will enable. A background in integrated photonics is not a requirement for the role; there will be tailored opportunities to learn and upskill. This position offers an excellent chance to become an expert in the rapidly growing field of integrated photonics. We take pride in being ahead of the curve—working with and developing innovative new technology. The projects we work on are highly diverse, and you will combine your existing skills and knowledge with an appetite to rapidly identify and assimilate whatever new information is necessary to solve the problem at hand. Examples of recent work undertaken for our clients include: * Design and test of a photonic chip for sensing biomolecules * Development of a novel imaging system based on multi-wavelength holography * Teardown and reverse engineering of complex high-power laser instrument for industrial application * Development of a miniaturised magnetic positioning system for a high-volume consumer product * Development of a photonic chip for the projection of structured light We are a nurturing team. You will be supported to develop your career in the direction you want, with mentoring and training provided. Opportunities for development and progression are varied and will be tailored to the interests, experience, and skills of the successful candidate, with scope to develop increased technical, commercial, and/or programme expertise and leadership.   WHAT YOU BRING You will have research experience in a field related to optics or photonics, combined with excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and a collaborative approach. We are looking for someone who enjoys being hands on in the lab as well as conducting desk-based analysis.   You should have: * A desire to work on both on optical and photonic systems. * Practical experience of either free-space optics, fibre-optic systems, or photonic devices. * This role will include work on technologies for defence. Therefore, you must be eligible for UK security clearance.   In addition, you should have experience with 1 of the following: * Photonic design (e.g. using Ansys Lumerical) * Fabrication and test of photonic devices * Optical system design (e.g. using Zemax) * Optical metasurfaces * Numerical simulation and data analysis using scripting tools, like Python or MATLAB * Electronics or software for experiment automation * Practical/research experience in other areas of applied physics, e.g. magnetism, RF, ultrasound   Most importantly, you must be keen to take on new challenges, learn on the job, and grow your capabilities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------