Research Fellow in High-Throughput Thin Film Material Research

Research Fellow in High-Throughput Thin Film Material Research

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to work in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering who will contribute to the execution of a 3-year EPSRC funded research project. The project is led by Prof Goran Mashanovich from the Optical Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, with Prof David Thomson (ORC) and Dr Samuel Guérin (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering). The project aims to look at efficient silicon modulators with reduced power consumption.

The present position will focus on material discovery and optimisation via high-throughput thin film methodology using the facilities at the Material Innovation Laboratory (ex. ACMF). Thin film material optimisation will involve synthesis by thermal evaporation in an ultra-high vacuum environment combined with automated characterisation techniques. Optimised materials will be tested for device suitability and integrated into prototypes.

This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and ambitious experimental researcher with interests in developing novel modulators, high-throughput methodologies, and being part of a team taking novel materials to develop prototypes. The successful candidate should have first-hand experimental knowledge in vacuum technology and thin film deposition techniques, with a keen interest in high-throughput technology.

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent professional qualification in Physical Chemistry or a related discipline, along with a track record of academic and research excellence. The ideal candidate should have prior experience and expertise in working with ultra-high vacuum systems and thermal evaporation techniques. Potential candidates should also demonstrate an ability to write research papers independently, present their work at international conferences, and work successfully with multidisciplinary teams. Additional experience in high-throughput material research, with particular emphasis on coding, would be desirable.

The project will be supervised by Dr Samuel Guérin from the Energy and Electrochemistry group in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and will involve collaborations with a consortium of academics. Applicants must therefore have a strong interest and motivation for interdisciplinary research.

Applications 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 completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded, the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

As a university, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days, we are committed to supporting our staff and students and are open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance, contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.