PhD Physicist - 2026 summer placement

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.