Research Assistant / Associate in modelling the electronic structure of plasmonic nanoparticles

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Research Assistant / Associate in Modelling the Electronic Structure of Plasmonic Nanoparticles, London

Client: Imperial College London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 72082436f91f

Job Views: 7

Posted: 20.02.2025

Expiry Date: 06.04.2025

Job Description:

The post is funded by a Royal Society Enhanced Research Expenses Request grant whose goal is to develop novel atomistic modelling techniques to understand and control hot-carrier processes in plasmonic nanomaterials.

Hot carriers generated from the decay of localized surface plasmons in metallic nanostructures are promising for developing highly efficient solar energy conversion devices, such as solar cells or photocatalysts. However, despite much work, fundamental questions about hot carrier processes remain unsolved and the lack of atomistic insight into these processes is holding back the field. To address this challenge, the post holder will contribute to the development of novel atomistic modelling techniques to simulate the interaction of light with nanoparticles and carry out calculations to discover novel nanomaterials with tailored compositions, shapes, and environments to optimize the generation of hot carriers for specific applications.

Responsibilities:

• Developing new methods to study hot-carrier generation and thermalisation in plasmonic nanoparticles
• Using the new methods to discover new plasmonic nanomaterials with tailored composition, shape, and environment to enhance hot-carrier generation
• Associated data analysis and the interpretation of the data
• Assist the other research staff in the day-to-day management of the research group laboratories
• Liaise with other research staff and students working in broad areas of relevance to the research project, providing training where appropriate
• Write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals, presentations, and the web
• Attend progress and management meetings as required and network with other research groups
• Comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy, and Intellectual Property Rights and Register of Interests Policies
• Actively participate in the research programme of the Group
• Publish in high-quality journals and present data at national and international meetings
• Participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
• Collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
• Contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories with other scientists, clinicians, technicians, and students
• Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
• Comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and attend courses on safety when appropriate
• Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by the Head of Group as well as the Head of Division/Department/Section

Minimum Requirements:

• Research Associate: Hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Experience in using electronic structure theory to model light-matter interactions of nanomaterials with applications to plasmonics
• Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Experience in programming for parallel computer architectures
• Experience with the tight-binding formalism
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various resources to support your personal and professional development.
• Bespoke career mentoring and coaching to help you identify your career goals and support in achieving them.