I am currently in the final year of the PhD Translational Quantum Technology programme, and I’m focussing on developing integrated photonic circuits to help miniaturise quantum sensors. For my industrial placement, I worked at Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global (CSTG) which is a semiconductor company based in Glasgow. Here, I worked with Dr Iain Eddie, Senior Device Design Engineer, on an Innovate UK funded project, developing lasers for atomic clocks. I greatly enjoyed working in an industry environment, and I found that translating research into applications to be hugely motivating and exciting. My PhD research is similar to the work I undertook at CSTG, so this placement has been highly beneficial for me. A lot of companies look for industry experience so I’m glad to have this, and I have since had companies contact me with job opportunities through LinkedIn. Being part of the Quantum Technology Hub community means that you’re able to get involved in end-user applications arising from scientific research, which is a great opportunity.

It is extremely rare that you are able to apply most of what you have learned from your PhD into your actual job as well, and because of the opportunities presented by studying at the Quantum Technology Hub, I have been able to do this in my career. My long-term goal is now to bridge the gap between industry and academia. The Hub offers a unique opportunity to be directly involved with industry partners from the beginning. If someone has an interest in bringing research into the world, the Hub presents a great opportunity to have the breadth of contact with industry, which the Hub is able to offer. The sheer number and different types of industry partners engaged with the Hub is one of a kind – from small and medium enterprises to large international organisations. Just being exposed to this is a huge advantage for those interested in developing and translating research to commercial applications.

My placement at Gooch & Housego allowed me to develop the skills and knowledge I had acquired during the first part of the MRes degree into relevant applications. A large proportion of my work was on developing a compact and turn-key laser locking system using digital electronics, and I learned new skills and techniques from experts in fibre lasers. The industrial placement also helped me gain a thorough and invaluable understanding of research in a company setting.