Senior Research Associate in thin film surface characterization for molecular electronics

2 weeks ago

Bailrigg, United Kingdom Lancaster University Full time

Contract Type: Fixed term for 28 months with the possibility of 24 months extension.

Start Date: Expected start date on or after 1st July 2024.

The Department of Physics at Lancaster University invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on a collaborative EPSRC Programme Grant, 'Quantum engineering of energy-efficient molecular materials', (QMol).

The QMol project will develop new strategies in molecular electronics for controlling molecular conformation, switching in organic/organometallic compounds, and new methods of molecular assembly, which can be deployed in scalable architectures to develop flexible energy harvesting materials, low-power neuromorphic computing, smart textiles and self-powered patches for healthcare. In order to do this, we will use room-temperature quantum interference effects which can be scaled up from single molecules to self-assembled monolayers.

This position will contribute to these goals through advanced ultra-high vacuum (UHV) scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of highly ordered molecular films including the use of on-surface reactions to produce functional 2D covalent networks. This will involve fundamental studies of molecules designed to exploit room temperature quantum interference effects, the development of methods to grow multi-layer molecular structures, and atomic scale characterisation of device integrated materials.

You should (or shortly expect to) hold a PhD in experimental physics, chemistry, or a related discipline. You will need to be highly motivated and be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, ensuring that key milestones are reached. You must be able to independently design and execute research and have the knowledge and experience to optimise and troubleshoot. We provide a supportive, stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment working towards ambitious new scientific and technological goals in collaboration with our colleagues in the project consortium.

You will be based in Dr Samuel Jarvis' Research Group, and will collaborate with the wider QMol team comprising nine academics with track records at the forefront of their fields based at Lancaster University, Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, the University of Liverpool, and the STFC Central Laser Facility. More details on the QMol programme can be found at the following link: .

Facilities available in our group include state-of-the art SPM housed in the ultra-low-noise Lancaster IsoLab facility ) including ambient atomic force microscopy (AFM) and newly purchased variable temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (VT-STM). The group also runs the Lancaster X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Lancaster XPS) facility.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Samuel Jarvis: e-mail: .

Lancaster University is a leading UK University and the Physics Department is one of the top in the UK for research. REF2021 rated 98% of our research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent. The Department is ranked 5th in the UK for Physics in the Guardian University League Tables 2023.

The Department is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies. We are also strongly committed to fostering
diversity within our community as a source of excellence, cultural
enrichment, and social strength. We hold an Athena SWAN Silver award and Institute of Physics Juno Champion status. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.

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Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

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We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.

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