Quantum, Light & Matter Group

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £31,406 to £35,326
Full Time Fixed Term (2 Years)
Closing Date:  Friday 12 August 2022
Reference:  1869622WF

This exciting research post is part of the recently funded UKRI FLF project in the area of x-ray imaging of quantum materials. The aim is to utilise coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) techniques to study quantum phenomena in a range of multifunctional materials using our newly completed state-of-the-art in-house x-ray imaging facility and various synchrotron x-ray facilities. We have designed a novel pulsed laser deposition (PLD) system to automate the design and fabrication of nanoscale materials that permits rapid preparation and optimisation.  Our current focus is on perovskite materials for energy efficient technologies and lithium-ion batteries. 

You will utilise our facilities to synthesis and characterise materials for synchrotron experiments. We have developed cutting edge tools that include machine learning methods for analysis of data from synchrotron experiments. You will work as a team and jointly with our collaborators to prepare samples, attend synchrotron experiments and analyse the resulting data. Field work will initially take place at the Diamond Light Source in Oxford.

To be successful you will have a PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in one of the following Physics; Materials Science;  Optoelectronics; Engineering or a related field along with knowledge of coherent x-ray diffraction imaging or related techniques.  In addition, you will have experience of coherent x-ray diffraction imaging or related techniques and a good understanding of a scientific computing language such as Python.

This post is offered on a full-time, fixed term basis for 2 years due to funding requirements, with a possible extension to 4 years.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Physics and Astronomy. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBT+ and disabled applicants to apply for this position.  We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2018 and the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. For further information please visit https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/EqualityandDiversity

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Application Procedure 

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Sam Stubbs (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 1869622WF on all correspondence.